Energy Policy in New Zealand (in German only)

Blurb

This study (in German only) deals with the fundamentals, institutions and developments of energy policy in New Zealand and identifies potential for cooperation with Germany. The chapters look at 1) energy statistics for production, trade, consumption, electricity and emissions, 2) responsibilities, developments and certain focus areas in energy policy (renewable energy, energy efficiency, road traffic and hydrogen) and 3) possible areas of cooperation with Germany.

New Zealand has diverse energy resources, half of all energy production is from renewable sources. The electricity mix is made up of 81 percent renewables (mainly hydropower and geothermal), 14 percent natural gas and five percent coal. Energy policy in New Zealand has become increasingly progressive in recent years. Under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern from the Labour Party, who has been in office since 2017, the “Zero Carbon Act” was passed, a moratorium on new offshore oil and gas exploration was declared and the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme was reformed. As part of a green recovery, a fully renewable electricity by 2030, further investments in technologies such as hydrogen and storage as well as a ban on new fossil base load power plants were announced. In December 2020, the government declared a climate emergency. A hydrogen roadmap is currently being developed.