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New Zealand seeks comments to hydrogen plan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2019

Abstract

Type
Science Policy
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2019 

New Zealand is charting the pathway toward a more renewable energy system with the launch of a national vision for hydrogen, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced in early September.

“Reducing carbon emissions from our energy use is one of the key ways we can fight the long-term challenge of climate change. Today we are launching a Green Paper—A Vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand—that lays out the role hydrogen can play in New Zealand’s economy, and what we can do to accelerate its use,” Woods said.

The hydrogen plan addresses a national transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen as well as an international economic opportunity. In cooperation with Japan, New Zealand already has initiatives in place such as a joint venture between Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd. (New Zealand) and Hiringa Energy Limited (Japan) to produce hydrogen in Taranaki in New Zealand at the commercial level, and a partnership between Tuaropaki Trust and Japan’s multinational Obayashi Corporation to build a hydrogen production facility using geothermal electricity near Taupō.

“Today’s launch … sits alongside the government’s decision to end new offshore oil and gas exploration, our investment in a National New Energy Development Centre in Taranaki, backing cutting-edge renewable energy technology, greater support for low emissions vehicles, and helping businesses to invest in low emissions industrial processing,” Woods said.

The government seeks feedback from the community on the potential for hydrogen production, export, and utilization in New Zealand’s economy. The Green Paper poses 27 questions in nine key areas:

  • hydrogen production

  • hydrogen electricity nexus

  • hydrogen for mobility

  • hydrogen for industrial processes

  • hydrogen for seasonal power generation

  • decarbonization of our gas

  • hydrogen for export

  • innovation expands job opportunities

  • transitioning the job market

Woods said, “The paper is part of a renewable energy strategy work program which is also looking to address barriers to investment in new renewable energy as we work to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and to transition to a clean, green, and carbon-neutral economy by 2050.”

Submissions on the Green Paper close on October 25, 2019. Inquiries for the online submission form can be sent to .

Footnotes

beehive.govt.nz

References

beehive.govt.nz