New Zealand has slipped two places in this year’s Energy Trilemma Index, which rates countries on how they achieve a balance of security, sustainability, and equity in their energy systems. But, at 10th out of 128 countries, New Zealand remained the highest-ranked non-European nation.

In the energy system there are significant risks, but thanks to a comprehensive tool that ranks countries on their ability to provide sustainable, affordable and secure energy, we get a hint as to what actions are needed to mitigate any danger and to seize any opportunity they present.

In 2018, Transpower established a consumer advisory panel representing a diverse cross-section of New Zealand’s electricity consumers, as a forum for regular, long-term dialogue. The Panel provides advice and input to Transpower about consumers’ needs and perspectives, and engages in two-way dialogue on emerging sector issues. Transpower uses the panel’s advice and insights to better inform its business planning and decision making.

Sunshine Solar has worked closely with YHA New Zealand in recent years to help the accommodation provider achieve carboNZero certification. The partnership has already resulted in carbon reduction across four hostels of about 81 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with more savings identified. Sunshine Solar has so far worked with YHA on projects at its hostels in Franz Josef, Auckland, Wellington, and Aoraki/Mt Cook, with more audits and system upgrades planned.

The country’s new energy research centre should focus on barriers to commercial development of technology, BusinessNZ Energy Council executive director John Carnegie says. Policy and regulation could restrict the viability of some emerging technologies and the centre should work to identify those impediments.

The Government’s climate change policy is a major source of uncertainty for the country’s energy sector executives, according to a recent survey. Climate framework moved from medium to high uncertainty in a survey of local executives for the New Zealand chapter of this year’s World Energy Issues Monitor.

The sixth annual New Zealand Energy Issues Map below shows energy executives grappling with the potential of hydrogen fuel, along with economic issues including New Zealand’s emerging climate framework. The issues map identifies hydrogen as one of this year’s fastest-moving energy issues.

Energy issues to keep an eye on in 2019

The Katowice Rulebook has been agreed! A successful outcome! The interests of the climate have prevailed over national self-interest! The UN has already claimed a new era of global climate action has begun. Governments, the UN claims, have adopted a robust set of guidelines for implementing the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, the implementation of which will benefit people from all walks of life, especially the most vulnerable.