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Established in 1993 as the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers, ACT’s representative Simon Court opined that the agency feels mocked every time when the NZ government claims of working towards a carbon emission-free state. Moreover, there has been a sharp rise of 40% rise in coal imports in the last three years.
Source: Copyright © 2021 Kalkine Media Pty Ltd
According to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2020, New Zealand imported about 1.1 million tonnes of coal. Interestingly, it's just behind the year 2006 wherein the maximum coal of around 1.24 million tonnes were imported.
Government Not Serious For Increased Coal Imports
Simon Court stated that these scientific records give a jolt to the Government's marketing slogan on moving towards sustainability and environment protection.
ALSO READ: NZ government takes first step towards its 2050 carbon neutral target
It is pointed out that natural gas, a much greener choice than carbon-emitting coal, is found in abundance in New Zealand, but because of the ban on the new exploration by the Jacinda Ardern government, most of the companies are not serious about exploring this better and alternative energy source to coal.
He further highlighted that some of the ACT's trading partners have witnessed a decline in carbon releases post switching from coal to natural gas.
Rejection Of Claims By The Energy Minister
However, Megan Woods, New Zealand’s Energy Minister, has countered the claims made by the ACT. She stated that the increased coal imports were due to the La Niña dry weather spell engulfing the Kiwiland.
What Drove The Rise In Coal Imports?
Woods stated that the increased coal imports were due to the following:
- Firstly, huge quantities of coal are being used by electricity generating companies, thereby saving water and hydroelectricity for the winters, when the country witnessed huge demand.
- Further, the La Niña dry weather spell has a considerable impact on the hydro lake inflows. Also, of late, Pohokura gas field has been experiencing a drop in its gas production.
As a result, more electricity is generated from thermal sources which uses coal, owing to a decline in the generation of electricity from renewable resources. This would help to reserve water in hydro lakes for future use in the upcoming winter season.
Uses Of Alternatives
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Further, the Energy Minister stated that the Government has set up "NZ Battery Project" to address the nation's issue of dry year energy storage and to turn towards 100% renewable, greener and sustainable sources. This would greatly help in reducing carbon emissions across the country.
The Minister also stated that the Government is determined to use reliable and affordable sources of energy to make the nation a better place for future generations.
