The government is seeking feedback on an ambitious programme of work to transition New Zealand towards a low emissions economy, with consultation on 5 streams of energy policy launched today.

New Zealand is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group, which is APEC’s main body to deal with energy issues.

The Government previously consulted on a proposal to increase the use of sustainable liquid biofuels in New Zealand to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport. The discussion document, produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Transport, outlined the development of regulations to enact the Sustainable Biofuels Obligation.

Biofuels are any fuel produced from biological matter or 'biomass'. This can include agricultural and forestry crops and residues, organic by-products, and waste. Biofuels can help reduce emissions and contribute towards meeting Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate targets.

About 110,000 households could not afford to keep their homes adequately warm for the year ending June 2022, with Māori and Pacific households, renters and low-income households more likely to experience energy hardship, analysis released today shows.

The Government is asking for public input as part of its goal of ensuring Aotearoa’s transition to a low emissions future is fair and inclusive for all New Zealanders.

The renewable share of electricity generation continues to grow, according to data published today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

16 small scale solar projects, receiving a total of $3 million in government funding today, will deliver cost savings and clean, affordable and locally generated power for 150 Māori households.

The share of energy supply from renewables is at a record 30-year high, an annual Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) report into the energy sector shows.

Hundreds more households living in Māori and public homes are set to benefit from locally generated, clean power under the government fund set up to trial small-scale renewable energy projects.