The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
With the repeal of the oil and gas exploration ban, we're basically investing in Nokia after the iPhone was released. As Rewiring Aotearoa's Mike Casey says, gas is inefficient, it's expensive, not much has been found in New Zealand despite plenty of attempts, and what we do have is running out faster than expected. So why are we investing in an increasingly obsolete technology?
We still need some gas for industry (which is by far the biggest user) and electricity generation (in the short-term), but continuing to back gas ignores economics, emissions and the role that cheaper, cleaner renewable electricity - much of it from large scale and rooftop solar and more of it stored in batteries - is playing elsewhere.
Critics of the ban suggest that it has led to deindustrialisation, but more renewables in the system should help to bring the price of electricity down (and more solar can bring it right down in the middle of the day). In the case of South Australia, that is attracting more businesses that want cheap, reliable, low-emissions electricity and we won't get that from gas.
Biogas isn't a saviour, either. Even if all sources of biogas in Auckland were activated, this would only meet 4% of the network's current demand. And hydrogen isn't ever going to be the sensible, safe, or affordable substitute.
When it comes to running our homes (and cars), electricity is the clear winner - unless you're keen to pay more to give your kids asthma, in which case gas is a great option.
There have been plenty of positive signals from this Government around solar and the geothermal strategy is promising, but encouraging and investing in gas is backwards looking.
Rewiring Aotearoa is in favour of universal Road User Charges as we believe it will address an artificial market distortion for vehicles that is not in New Zealand’s economic, fuel security, or resilience interests. Here's what we told the Select Committee.
Read moreDownloadThe story of Uruguay's renewable push and why it's relevant here; EVs reach a tipping point in the EU, but they're growing in developing nations, too; Tauranga Crossing and Endless Energy go vertical with a new solar install; new research shows panels keep on trucking far past their warranty periods; and if you need a hand getting out on the waves, how about getting your own electric towing machine.
Read moreDownloadOur Political Power series aims to show that going electric is good for everyone, no matter where you sit on the political sprectrum. Whether you're looking to lower costs, reduce emissions or increase resilience, it increasingly makes sense at an individual, community and country level and ACT's Todd Stephenson, who bought an electric Jeep around one year ago and built his new home in Queenstown to run on electrons, is a good example of that.
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