Articles tagged with Electricity Generation

Showing 5 of 5 articles

NZ Removes Royalties on Cushion Gas to Boost Underground Gas Storage and Energy Security

08 Sep 2026 | 13 hours ago | 74 views

The New Zealand Government will end the requirement for developers to pay royalties on "cushion gas," which is operational gas needed to maintain pressure in underground gas storage but unlikely to be extracted or sold. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in underground gas storage to improve the flexibility, resilience, and long-term energy security of the country’s energy system. An independent expert will determine the portion of gas qualifying as cushion gas, while future regulatory reviews will assess the effectiveness of this measure in supporting energy security.

Tags: Shane Jones Methanex New Zealand Resources Minister underground gas storage energy security petroleum regulatory framework cushion gas electricity generation gas royalties

New Zealand Boosts Infrastructure and Renewables with Key RMA Reforms 2026

14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1302 views

The New Zealand Government has introduced a new National Policy Statement for Infrastructure and amended two others to streamline resource consenting, reduce costs, and accelerate renewable energy and infrastructure projects under the Resource Management Act (RMA). These changes aim to address the infrastructure deficit by providing clear, consistent direction to councils and developers, cutting red tape, and supporting the country’s economic growth, climate adaptation, and energy security goals. The updated national direction instruments, effective from January 2026, will integrate with the forthcoming modern planning system to ensure smoother implementation and continued progress.

Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Simon Court RMA Reform National Policy Statement Infrastructure Renewable Electricity Generation Electricity Networks New Zealand Government Infrastructure Commission

New Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal

21 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1217 views

New Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.

Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT Mining

New Zealand's Geothermal Energy Expansion Plan for 2040: Unlocking Potential

30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 3027 views

New Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.

Tags: Shane Jones geothermal energy New Zealand Resources Minister electricity generation sustainable development innovation Māori economy industrial growth consultation

Kiwi Electricity Bill Savings Boosted by New Energy Market Changes

15 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1947 views

The Electricity Authority announced changes aimed at reducing electricity bills for Kiwi households and businesses, with a focus on fair pricing for rooftop solar and battery exports and introducing time of use plans. The government is also working on a review of the electricity sector to ensure fair prices and address energy shortages. These changes are expected to incentivize uptake of solar and battery systems, reduce power prices over the long term, and enable small-scale systems to meet peak demand.

Tags: Kiwi households businesses electricity bills Energy Minister Simon Watts Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones solar electricity generation power bills electricity sector electricity market