Taranaki, the energy province, produces energy, from both non-renewable fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and from renewable sources such as water (hydro-electricity), wind, solar or biomass.
Under the New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050, the Government proposes to increase the proportion of renewable energy used in electricity generation and transport, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from the energy sector.
The challenges for Taranaki in the years ahead are to:
- Produce energy efficiently and environmentally sustainably from a variety of sources.
- Use that energy wisely.
The following information summarises the key facts about Taranaki’s production and use of energy:
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- Taranaki accounts for 3.2% of the total energy used in New Zealand.
- All of the oil and gas produced in New Zealand is from Taranaki.
- 477 resource consents have been issued by the Taranaki Regional Council relating to petroleum exploration activities over the past five years and 48 relate to production stations.
- Four hydro-electric power generation schemes in Taranaki can produce up to a total of 47 megawatts.
- Taranaki has currently no wind farms, although one has been proposed in South Taranaki.
- Industry uses 38% of all energy used in Taranaki, with households using the next greatest proportion (28%).
- Petrol use in Taranaki has remained relatively stable over the past six years but use of diesel has increased.
- Significantly more use is made of mains gas in Taranaki for home heating (35%) than across New Zealand as a whole (13%).
- Little is known of the state of energy efficiency in Taranaki compared to the rest of New Zealand as no regional data is collected.
Energy production and use is primarily managed by Central Government (e.g. the Ministry of Economic Development). Two national level strategies guide energy development, transmission and use: The New Zealand Energy Strategy and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
At the local level, energy, and effects associated with the production of energy, are managed under the Proposed Regional Policy Statement, and regional and district plans.
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| Case study | ||
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Students Switch on to Energy Efficiency They were the three strands of a $100,000 Enviropower pilot programme at the 380-student school, funded by Venture Taranaki and the Ministry for the Environment and supported by EcoInnovation and Enviroschools. It was believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand and it earned a Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award in 2008. The most obvious sign of the project is a 10-metre wind turbine in the school grounds, a renewable source for electricity that is used on site. The school also has two sets of solar panels – one to generate electricity and one for water heating. According to teacher Warwick Foy, the turbine generates about 800 watts on the average breezy day in Inglewood, while the photovoltaic solar panels can produce 300 to 1,000 watts and the hot water panels can supply the needs of the administration block. On the conservation side, the school has eliminated unnecessary hot water heating by wrapping, timing and in some cases turning off cylinders. More energy-efficient lighting and computer systems have been introduced and power consumption is constantly monitored, allowing students and staff to see immediately the result of efficiency measures. Tangible benefits of the year-long project included a 17% reduction in power consumption, exceeding the target of 15%. Biggest gains were made in daytime consumption, especially at weekends. Energy use is down 22% on weekdays and 57% in weekend daytime. But it’s the third strand of the project, education, that was probably the most important, said Warwick. Students have been involved in many aspects of the project – wrapping the cylinders, digging the turbine foundations and so on – and they have taken real ownership of the project. That zeal has been taken back to their homes, where they have been monitoring the family power consumption and generally raising awareness and promoting effi ciency. This will have real long-term benefits. The school also incorporated Enviropower aspects in geography, social studies, maths, science and art lessons, with a four-week social studies unit covering issues such as peak oil and gas, global warming, renewable and non-renewable energy and sustainability issues. The Enviropower project was a great learning experience for all involved, said Warwick. “As we enter into a future of energy and environmental uncertainty, it’s good to know that our students will be better prepared.” The programme was designed to support the Government’s Energy Strategy and Venture Taranaki reported that it was delighted with the enthusiasm demonstrated by teachers, pupils and the wider school community in the project. Venture Taranaki is considering what the next stage will be. |
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