April 2021
Energy Skills merges with Energy Resources Aotearoa
This month marks the beginning of a new era as Energy Skills NZ is now officially part of Energy Resources Aotearoa.
Energy Skills Aotearoa works to attract, promote and develop talent for the energy industry through advocacy, education, recruitment and development.
The move was supported by both organisations given the shared interest in a healthy and sustainable energy resources sector, and the vital role that talented people play in this.
Energy Skills runs an annual Primary Schools Science and Engineering Fair and attends careers days at universities throughout New Zealand. They also host an annual university student programme that raises awareness of industry career opportunities with engineering, science and environmental management students.
Above: Mat Quinn from sponsors Beach Energy with last year's Science Fair winner Charlie Maxner
The team of Sheree Long (Manager, Skills) and Caroline Westlake (Office and accounts administrator) remain based in New Plymouth but are now working closely with the Wellington-based staff of Energy Resources Aotearoa.
Meet the Chief Executive: Mark Macfarlane
Next week we are proud to be hosting the first in our series of Meet the Chief Executive events for 2021.
This exclusive event on the 5th May in Wellington features Todd Energy's new Chief Executive (and the Chair of Energy Resources Aotearoa) Mark Macfarlane.
Mark will discuss his plans for the role, and how he sees the future of natural gas and the wider energy sector in New Zealand.
These informative events are your chance to hear from leaders in the energy resources sector. Reservations are essential and are free for Energy Resources Aotearoa members.
Our view on Climate Change Commission proposals
An unnecessary focus on gross rather than net emissions has put the Climate Change Commission on the wrong track, according to Energy Resources Aotearoa’s submission on the Commission’s draft advice.
“Our sector fully supports the transition to lower emissions, but focusing on gross emissions means we are asking New Zealanders to pay more than they should to achieve our net-zero goal," says Energy Resources’ chief executive John Carnegie.
“There are some areas where it will be very difficult to decarbonise, such as air travel, certain process heat applications, and electricity firming. In these cases it is better to offset these emissions until new technologies are ready.
"First Gas’s plan to decarbonise its gas network from 2030 onwards is a great example of why we shouldn't close off options, and the importance of retaining and supporting the country's gas infrastructure.
“It clearly shows why we don’t need hands-on Government interventions like bans, and in fact how destructive they can be. The Climate Change Commission’s proposed ban on new gas connections from 2025 would completely undermine this plan.
“The ETS is the best tool for lowering net emissions. The Commission’s own modelling shows that modestly increasing the ETS unit price to $50 would result in Aotearoa meeting the net-zero target by 2050, with planting trees an important though temporary part of this."
High electricity prices causing pain
A new Government inter-agency team is being established to monitor the electricity sector amid concerns over price and supply issues.
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods has told media there is "no need to panic" but acknowledges low lake levels and gas supply issues are causing serious issues.
In recent weeks the Norske Skog Tasman Mill and New Zealand Steel have both been running at reduced capacity. At the same time, coal generation for electricity is now at the highest level in nearly nine years.
To help avoid an energy crisis in future dry years, Energy Resources Aotearoa is proposing an industry accord with the Government. This could be a joint commitment to work together on lowering emissions and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous energy resources sector.
Govt plans to phase out gas for industrial heat
New proposals from the Government to phase out the industrial use of natural gas are a blow to New Zealand’s energy security and well-being, according to Energy Resources Aotearoa.
The Government is consulting on new proposals to use national directives and the Resource Management Act to reduce the role of natural gas for industrial heat processes.
“We are already seeing major industries cutting back production because of high energy prices, due in part to a temporary tight supply of natural gas,” says Energy Resources chief executive John Carnegie. “These proposals will only make that worse and undermine investment confidence.
"The Climate Change Commission is clear that we’ll need natural gas until at least 2050 to support renewable electricity and keep prices down. However, there is a risk that if we undermine the local industry we’ll end up reliant on imported coal or LNG instead."
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