NZ energy ranking highlights importance of Paris conference

NZ energy ranking highlights importance of Paris conference

Climate change negotiators must clear global blockages to all countries achieving affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy, says the BusinessNZ Energy Council.

The World Energy Council’s Energy Trilemma Index ranks countries on how well they achieve the energy ‘trilemma’ balance of security, equity and sustainability.

In this year’s index, the top ten ranked countries are Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, UK, Austria, Denmark, Canada, France, Finland and New Zealand.

BusinessNZ Energy Council Chair David Caygill said this year’s index showed the challenges faced by countries in developing a balanced approach to energy policy, with only Switzerland and Sweden achieving ‘AAA’ balance score.

“New Zealand continues to score well in an international survey of energy outcomes, having maintained its position of tenth out of 130 countries, and its overall balanced rating of AAB,” Mr Caygill said.

“New Zealand’s top ten position demonstrates our consistent approach to the pursuit of balanced energy policies.

“The index also shows that to truly unlock the substantial global investment needed to deliver affordable, reliable, environmentally sustainable energy and accelerate the transition to a low carbon global economy, negotiators must set a predictable, balanced framework that outlines a clear long-term direction of travel.
“More meaningful local engagement with the energy sector and greater dialogue between policy and business leaders to prioritise and bring to scale greater action lies at the heart of this challenge.

“While well placed, New Zealand needs to be vigilant. Government and business must work together to create a positive policy and investment climate that promotes new technology and innovation, while supporting energy sector development and a productive export sector.

“We hope the BusinessNZ Energy Council’s recent report - New Zealand Energy Scenarios: Navigating energy futures to 2050 – is useful in helping to plan for the future. It is designed to aid thinking and provoke debate. It should help companies, consumers and policy makers make choices that balance energy policy outcomes across the dimensions of energy security, equity and sustainability.
The full report New Zealand Energy Scenarios: Navigating energy futures to 2050 can be found on www.bec.org.nz – click here for snapshot summary report, Infographic and video.

ENDS

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