Commerce Commission seeks views on priorities

The Commerce Commission is seeking views on emerging issues for electricity and gas networks. Significant change is anticipated, particularly in relation to decarbonisation. Current regulation seeks to support the energy transition and encourage innovative approaches, while still providing regulatory certainty and predictability. Feedback on their letter is welcomed by May 28.  Read more...

Contestable funds for industry now open

Applications are now open for round 2 of the Government's Investment in Decarbonisation Industry Fund. Co-funding is available to NZ-based companies committed to decarbonising their business and industry processes. Fourteen companies received a share of $22.88m co-funding in the first round, with the successful projects estimated to save 150,000 tonnes of carbon each year. Read more...

Secondary market for carbon trading

The first auction of New Zealand Carbon Units (NZUs) in March this year was a significant change to our Emissions Trading Scheme, replacing the Fixed Price Option for 2021 carbon unit surrender obligations. As a result, the secondary market for NZUs is as important as ever. emsTradepoint provides a trading platform for NZUs, showing live bids and offers, as well as traded prices and volumes. Read more...

Renewable LPG in NZ

LPG is a versatile and portable fuel with a high energy density that makes it cost effective in even the most remote parts of the country. More than 180,000 homes and businesses use LPG in New Zealand. A study by Worley shows that renewable LPG options are not only technically and economically feasible, but could also contribute to emissions reductions in line with the Climate Change Commission's emission budget.   Read more...

TESLA announce Japanese partnership

TESLA Ltd have partnered with Japan Weather Association (JWA) to develop a joint product combining JWA's domestic weather forecasting with TESLA's global load forecasting experience. There's strong interest in accurate load forecasting amongst Japan's physical power traders and retailers, driven by a number of factors: four distinct seasons, a growing intermittent renewable supply and a lack of data transparency.  Read more...

Certified Energy seeks views on gas certificates

Certified Energy is consulting on rules for a renewable gas certificates system. Certification can help to incentivise new renewable gas production and has "the potential to help many large energy users to reduce their emissions, particularly where electrification is not an option," notes Chief Executive Tim Middlehurst. The consultation is an opportunity to help develop a robust, transparent system.  Read more...

EECA report on Liquid Biofuels released

EECA have commissioned a study to explore using liquid biofuels in New Zealand. The report takes a holistic approach, assessing life-cycle emissions, blending limits, technological readiness and market availabilities. Conventional biofuels (made from edible feedstock) may provide an interim solution, while advanced biofuels (from more sustainable feedstock) are expected to play a longer-term role.  Read more...