Energy News & Articles
Boosting New Zealand's Gas Supply: $200M Fund Expansion for Energy Security
3 days ago | 51 viewsThe Coalition Government has expanded the Gas Security Fund to attract investments that will increase New Zealand's gas supply in the short-, medium-, and long-term to address energy security challenges. The fund will support various projects, including drilling in existing fields, exploration, and storage initiatives, aiming to stabilize supply and manage seasonal demand. The initiative aims to mitigate perceptions of risk in the petroleum sector and promote regional procurement, with investment decisions made jointly by the Ministers for Resources and Finance.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop gas supply investment fund energy security petroleum sector gas exploration gas storage energy affordability New ZealandNew Zealand Unveils Comprehensive Fuel Security Plan for Resilience
5 days ago | 68 viewsNew Zealand has released a Fuel Security Plan to ensure reliable access to fuel in the face of global and domestic disruptions, focusing on resilience, domestic preparedness, alternative fuels, and market transitions. The plan includes measures such as requiring fuel importers to hold minimum stock levels and supporting the deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of reducing dependence on global markets and investing in domestic energy resources for economic growth and self-reliance.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Fuel Security Plan Energy Minister Resilience Global supply shocks Domestic resilience EV charging infrastructure Renewable dieselFast-track Approval Granted for Genesis Energy's Tekapo Power Scheme
6 days ago | 101 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have approved the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, with Genesis Energy's Tekapo power scheme receiving quick consent after facing delays under the standard process. The Tekapo project generates clean electricity for over 228,000 households in Canterbury and showcases the Act's ability to expedite vital infrastructure projects. The Ministers are working on legislative changes to further streamline the fast-track process and encourage more applications to boost job creation, regional prosperity, and economic growth in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Genesis Energy Limited Tekapo power scheme renewable energy project infrastructure regional development New Zealand legislative changesGeothermal Energy: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives from New Zealand
2 weeks ago | 126 viewsThe New Zealand Minister for Resources and Regional Development delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Indigenous Geothermal Symposium in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the cultural significance and future potential of geothermal energy. New Zealand, known for its geothermal electricity production, has a deep connection to geothermal resources rooted in Māori heritage. The country is investing in supercritical geothermal technology, aiming to lead in sustainable innovation and global energy transformation.
Tags: New Zealand Māori Geothermal Energy Resources Minister Indigenous Symposium Chris Wright Roland HorneElectricity Authority Chair Announces Resignation: Future Reforms and Vacancy Updates
2 weeks ago | 130 viewsElectricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik has resigned, with Energy Minister Simon Watts expressing gratitude for her leadership and contributions to significant reforms in the electricity sector. Ms Kominik's departure is tied to a new opportunity and the completion of the Frontier Economics Review of Electricity Market Performance, with plans for an organisational review before her replacement is appointed. The Government aims to strengthen the Authority's enforcement and analytical capabilities, with a focus on pro-competitive initiatives that prioritize consumer benefit and public value.
Tags: Anna Kominik Simon Watts Electricity Authority resignation Energy Minister reforms Frontier Economics Review electricity market consumersNew Zealand's Wood Energy and Biogas Strategy for Sustainable Energy Future
2 weeks ago | 138 viewsThe Government of New Zealand has shown strong support for the bioenergy sector by releasing the Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan, as well as a Government Statement on Biogas. These initiatives aim to diversify the country's energy mix, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and cut down on emissions by promoting wood energy and biogas as sustainable alternatives. The plans include clear objectives, co-funding opportunities, and regulatory support to accelerate the growth of the bioenergy industry, create new jobs, enhance energy security, and contribute to achieving climate goals.
Tags: Government Wood Energy Strategy Action Plan Biogas New Zealand Energy Security Mr Watts Forestry Minister Todd McClay Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Renewable EnergyGovernment Ensures Capital Support for Vital Electricity Infrastructure Investments in New Zealand
1 month ago | 209 viewsThe Government assures power companies it will provide capital for critical electricity infrastructure investments to ensure energy security and competitiveness. Measures include supporting equity injections for strategic projects and addressing gaps in the energy system to lower consumer prices. The Energy Package focuses on security of supply through LNG import facilities and building better markets by incentivizing new energy projects and strengthening regulatory bodies.
Tags: Government power companies investment electricity infrastructure Nicola Willis Crown MOM companies energy security Simon Watts New ZealandNew Zealand Revives Gas Exploration with Open Market Applications
1 month ago | 229 viewsPetroleum operators in New Zealand can now apply for new prospecting and exploration permits beyond Taranaki to boost gas reserves, thanks to a new open market application pathway introduced alongside the Block Offer competitive tender process. The exploration ban in 2018 had a negative impact on the gas sector, hindering investment and exploration efforts, leading to energy security concerns. To revitalize exploration activity, the government is focusing on streamlining permit processes and offering co-investment opportunities in new gas fields, while also introducing a new Tier 3 permit category for hobby miners to encourage small-scale gold mining across the country.
Tags: Shane Jones Petroleum operators Exploration permits Gas reserves Block Offer New Zealand Energy security Budget 2025 Hobby miners Regulatory scrutinyNew Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal
1 month ago | 263 viewsNew Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT MiningUnlocking New Zealand's Offshore Wind Potential: Government Amendments for Industry Growth
1 month ago | 218 viewsThe Government is amending legislation to support New Zealand's offshore wind potential, aiming to boost economic growth and energy production. The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill is being revised to address concerns from offshore wind developers about coexisting with seabed mining activities. The amendments will create designated marine spaces for offshore wind projects, providing investment certainty while pausing new permits for seabed mining under the Crown Minerals Act.
Tags: Government legislation offshore wind potential Energy Minister Simon Watts economic growth regulatory regime Offshore Renewable Energy Bill seabed mining CabinetBreaking Ground: New Zealand's First Supercritical Geothermal Exploration at Rotokawa Reservoir
2 months ago | 277 viewsThe Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in New Zealand's Taupō Volcanic Zone has been chosen for the country's first supercritical geothermal exploration, with plans to develop multiple wells for enhanced power output. The site selection followed thorough geological studies and risk assessments, with a focus on involving the local community and cultural considerations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between stakeholders to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy, with a multi-disciplinary team working on regulatory approvals, design, and drilling for the project's success.
Tags: Shane Jones Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir New Zealand geothermal energy Tauhara North No. 2 Trust Earth Sciences New Zealand supercritical geothermal exploration Regional Development Minister Mercury NZ Ministry of Business.Energy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions
2 months ago | 344 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New ZealandEnergy Minister Hails New Rule to Boost Competition and Lower Power Prices
2 months ago | 328 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts welcomes a new rule by the Electricity Authority to boost retail competition among smaller power companies, aiming to lower power prices for struggling Kiwis. The rule will prevent large power companies from cross-subsidizing themselves and offering discounts, creating a level playing field for all competitors. These changes, developed under the Energy Competition Task Force, aim to encourage investment in new generation and improve economic outcomes, with further improvements to be consulted on later this year.
Tags: Simon Watts Electricity Authority Kiwis Government Energy Minister Power companies Competition Electricity market Consumers Energy pricesGenesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact Establish Strategic Energy Reserve to Boost Energy Security and Affordability in New Zealand
3 months ago | 573 viewsEnergy Ministers Simon Watts and Shane Jones welcome the establishment of a strategic energy reserve by major power companies in New Zealand to enhance energy security and maintain affordable prices. The initiative aims to address vulnerabilities in the energy system highlighted by last year's dry winter, which led to high prices and pressure on industries and households. The government is taking steps to strengthen the energy system by ensuring fuel supply security, supporting investment, and enhancing market competition to reduce costs and promote economic growth.
Tags: Simon Watts Shane Jones Genesis Mercury Meridian Contact New Zealand energy reserve energy security affordable energy pricesNew Zealand Petroleum Exploration Permits Open in September: Crown Minerals Amendment Bill Impact
3 months ago | 708 viewsThe Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones petroleum exploration permits Crown Minerals Amendment Bill oil and gas exploration energy security natural gas decommissioning investment liability