Feasible Ambition Climate Goals for New Zealand in July, Clean Energy and Climate Change Futures

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1 Feasible Ambition Climate Goals for New Zealand in July, 2015 Clean Energy and Climate Change Futures

2 The emissions reduction opportunities available to other nations through conversion to renewables, mass public transport and energy efficiency in industry, have already been done or have far less scope in New Zealand Foreword to NZ s 6 th National Communication to UNFCCC Dec.2013 Minister Tim Groser

3 There are in fact many opportunities to use low carbon renewables, to reduce energy demand, and to lower emissions from the power, heat and transport sectors.

4 a) Renewables: Around 40% primary energy. Electricity has reached an 82.8% share. Target of 90% by 2025 possible given around 4000 MW of renewable power generation already consented. Lots of low hanging renewable heat from biomass, solar and geothermal. Transport options include advanced biofuels, electric light rail and EVs linked with Smart Grids. b) Mass public transport: Working fairly well in Wellington. Growing in Auckland. Much potential elsewhere given correct investments - as opposed to putting all our eggs into the one transport basket of roads. c) Energy efficiency in industry: Has been adopted to some degree, after over 20 years of EECA support. However, there remains a huge amount more that can be achieved for short payback periods by both large and small businesses.

5 Germany s commitment is far more ambitious The amazing Reichstag building (designed by Lord Norman Foster and that houses the Bundesag,) and other nearby buildings, are heated and cooled solely by renewable energy mainly ground source heat pumps and heat from four biodiesel engines that also drive power generators that links with around 40kW of rooftop solar PV to meet the electricity demand. Buildings are certified for their energy use as in this example from a 120 year old house. 5

6 Community owned and shared EVs are common place but unlike London where EVs are free of parking fees and congestion charges, just yesterday I saw this one with a parking ticket.

7 Cycles are beginning to dominate and trams provide a great service. Overall there appears to be a cultural acceptance that we all have to move to low-carbon technologies. Even many of the autobahns now have speed limits.

8 What has Richie McCaw got in common with Martin Winterhorn? ne is captain of the All Blacks - the other (is) was the captain of Volkswagen. oth are involved with major business and brands. oth push the boundaries and rules to get results. oth have recently been caught out for cheating. oth paid the penalty! his epitomises that few businesses have a real ommitment to climate mitigation or the environment. o make any significant lowering of emissions will eed strong regulations and/or high carbon prices.

9 NZ Energy sector emissions 1990 to 2013 and projections to Both scenarios are technically achievable, but if to be achieved will need strong government support at both the national and local levels starting from now. 9 Working Group III contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report

10 New Zealand cities are already making good progress. Palmerston North is one example meeting > 30% of own power demand. 1 MW hydro in the city water supply; Landfill gas / sewage gas CHP plants; 100kW solar PV on the council building roof; Energy efficiency measures to match e.g. LED street lights.

11 The Royal Society has established a Climate Change Mitigation Panel aiming not just to produce yet another report but to be more innovative in seeking solutions with valued co-benefits. Based on the current scientific knowledge, including social science, the Panel aims to provide insights on: which future technologies might have an impact, what the uncertainties might be, what steps are critical to the adoption and implementation of technologies or changes in behaviour, and what priority research, development and demonstration should be undertaken.

12 Public RD&D investment in clean energy Of the $96.5 million MBIE funding round for innovative and exciting research projects over the next four years, the $12 million for energy was for just two projects both are on oil and gas exploration! How can New Zealand ever hope to change to a low-carbon society with that sort of public R&D support?

13 Parihaka epitomises a glimmer of hope. The residents are aiming for a more sustainable future as their community grows and research has begun through a MBIE grant 13 Passive Resistance to Climate Change.