Around 150 politicians and leaders from across the electricity sector have met to discuss how electricity can continue to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security and support a high-growth economy.
The networking event co-hosted by ERGANZ and Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA) was held at Parliament on Tuesday and brought into sharp focus the opportunity for New Zealand to expand its renewable energy system.
During his address, ERGANZ chair Simon Watt stressed that New Zealand still has a long way to go in its energy transition.
“As a country, we need to fundamentally reorient ourselves. Our goal should be to double the amount of renewable energy that makes up our total energy use” Watt said.
“This means moving transport, heating, and industry off fossil fuels and onto the clean grid New Zealand already has.
“The renewable infrastructure is largely in place. The generation investment is happening at pace. But the change needs to be in how we use energy, not just how we generate it.”
Watt said ERGANZ members alone have committed $4.3 billion in new wind, solar and geothermal projects in the last year, and spoke about the benefits this level of investment delivers to New Zealand.
“New generation strengthens our energy security; it creates skilled jobs, a lot of them in the regions; it delivers better long-term outcomes for consumers, with forward prices already edging downwards; it drives our transition to net-zero emissions; and it enables industry to electrify and grow.”
The event also provided the opportunity for MPs and Ministers to hear about the industry’s policy priorities in the lead up to an election
“The billions of dollars the industry is investing only happens when investors have long-term confidence in the market. ERGANZ will work constructively with whoever forms the next government so we can continue investing and building,” Watt said.
Cameron Brewer, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, spoke about the need to manage dry-year risk and the potential of solar energy in New Zealand. His address also focussed on the Government’s energy work programme, including changes to the Electricity Authority and how Fast Track legislation and reform of the Resource Management Act is supporting investment in the energy sector.
ENA Chair Nigel Barbour also spoke at the event and stressed the need for New Zealand’s energy transition to have a clear strategic direction.
