Government seeking feedback on Hydrogen’s potential role in the New Zealand economy
The Government has released a Green Paper – A vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand. The Green Paper is part of a renewable energy strategy work programme which is looking to address barriers to investment in new renewable energy as New Zealand seeks to reach 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2035, and to transition to a carbon neutral economy by 2050.
The Government’s ambitious carbon neutral goal requires the transition away from an energy system which relies heavily on hydrocarbons (oil, coal and gas) to one that is based on renewable energy sources. The Green Paper addresses hydrogen’s potential as a clean alternative to hydrocarbons and it is envisaged that hydrogen and electricity (in combination) could provide an energy system platform for the decarbonisation of our energy and transport. The Green Paper acknowledges that hydrogen produced from fossil fuels and industrial processes may play a role in the transition of NZ’s regions and existing industries. However, the focus is on New Zealand exploring the use of renewable energy to produce green hydrogen as an alternative fuel for domestic use and for export.
The Green Paper seeks feedback in nine key areas:
- Hydrogen production
- Hydrogen electricity nexus
- Hydrogen for mobility
- Hydrogen for industrial processes
- Hydrogen for seasonal power generation
- Decarbonisation of our gas
- Hydrogen for export
- Innovation expands job opportunities
- Transitioning the job market
Feedback on the potential for hydrogen production, export and utilisation in New Zealand is open until 25 October 2019.
Want to know more?
More information on the Green Paper can be found here.
If you would like to discuss the potential implications of the green paper for you or your business, please contact our specialist Environment, Planning and Natural Resources team.
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