(NZ) Government throws its weight behind wind farms (and more)

[jpak]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10414796

The Government is set to unveil measures making it easier to build wind farms and less attractive to build new fossil-fuelled electricity plants in its draft national energy strategy today.

In the first big tranche of Government moves on climate change, the draft energy strategy will also outline a potential greenhouse gas emissions trading regime for the electricity sector - a price-based measure the Beehive appears to favour over a carbon tax.

The much-anticipated strategy effectively spells out the Government's long-term vision for the energy sector.

While the agriculture sector creates half of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector's emissions have been growing rapidly.

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Making the most of renewable energy sources (NZ)

http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2006/Press_Releases/12-11-06a.htm

New Zealand could produce all the electricity and bio-fuel it needs from its own renewable resources within 30 years, says Professor Ralph Sims.

Professor Sims, director of the University's Centre for Energy Research, says that suggestions made in the Government's draft energy strategy issued today should be acted upon immediately.

"New Zealand is lucky enough to have all the renewable resources its needs right now, but we need to concentrate the research and expertise currently available to use these resources economically," he says.

Rooftop solar water heaters, identified in the strategy as an area to enhance, are very practical inventions that every new house should be obliged to install.

"They are an example of technology that is already at a good level of efficiency, and which anyone can work with to make an immediate impact on a national and global level."

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