Archive for June, 2008

Power Company Braces Itself For Carbon Costs

Genesis Energy has sent a team to Europe to investigate sources of carbon credits to meet what will be hefty carbon liability for the …

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Genesis CEO “Pushed” By Parker

Departing Genesis Energy CEO Murray Jackson appears to have been pushed out of the job by Energy Minister David Parker, over his outspoken views …

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Air NZ Picks Up Pace On Bio-Fuels

Air NZ’s commitment to being a world leader in bio-fuels has been reinforced by its founding membership of a new global organisation dedicated to …

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Committee Recommends Changes To Bio-Fuels Sales Obligation Regime

Ian Templeton at Parliament
• Date for start set back.
• Obligation levels adjusted down.
• Cost to economy noted.
Significant changes to the mandatory introduction of bio-fuels …

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Is NZ Sitting On Low-Temperature Geothermal Goldmine?

NZ could have more geothermal potential than previously recognised, particularly “low-temperature” geothermal energy. Until now, the focus has mainly been on high-temperature geothermal resources …

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$45trn To Halve Global Emissions

The International Energy Agency has calculated the cost of halving global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at $US45trn. The cost represents the investment needed …

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Greens Continue To Hound Farmers Over Emissions

The Greens’ inherent dislike of commercial agriculture is apparent in their determination to take a big stick to farmers over their greenhouse gas emissions. …

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Political Battle On Emissions Trade Scheme Means It Will Be Hard To Pass

Ian Templeton at Parliament
• Substantial changes to ETS Bill.
• Govt will struggle to pass it.
• Widespread business opposition.
Major changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme …

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Caygill Calls Central Purchasing Idea “Bizarre”

Electricity Commission Chairman David Caygill dismisses as “bizarre” calls for NZ to replace the current wholesale electricity market with a single centralised purchaser. He …

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Serious, But No Electricity Crisis Yet

NZ’s top energy experts are confident the lights will stay on this winter, despite it being the driest year since 1992 and hydro lake …

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Could Silicon Power Stations Replace Coal And Nuclear?

Future power stations could burn silicon instead of coal. This is the radical vision of Waikato University scientist Earl Bardsley, who believes the world’s …

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Electric Cars The Next Big Thing – But Will It Be Batteries Or Hydrogen?

Chris Mole – Associate Editor
• Electric cars “normal” within 30 years.
• Contest between batteries and fuel-cells.
• NZ consortium backs battery power.
Hydrogen fuel-cells versus batteries …

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Govt Worried About Hydro Lakes But Too Early To Panic

When the Govt puts out a media statement admitting it’s concerned about the low level of South Island hydro lakes, it’s time to take …

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New Scheme To Promote Green Tourism

The Govt has announced a new Qualmark Green rating system for tourism companies that meet benchmarks for energy efficiency, water management, water conservation and …

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Opposition Plays Hard Ball Over ETS Support

The Greens have thrown down the gauntlet to the Govt by threatening to vote against the Emissions Trading Bill unless it is toughened up …

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Greens Lambast Govt For “Abandoning” Carbon-Neutral And Sustainability Goals

• Budget ignores carbon neutral aim.
• Sustainability no longer fashionable?
• Cullen insists Govt still committed.
Is the Govt trying to quietly back away from its …

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