Joining int’l renewables agency a start but more than lip service needed

The Labour Party has welcomed news that the Government intends to join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) but remains sceptical about its commitment to increasing the share of New Zealand's energy that comes from renewable sources.

"In New Zealand we're fortunate that the majority of our electricity generation already comes from renewable sources, but the trend in recent years has been for a greater proportion to come from non-renewable sources such as gas and coal," Labour's energy spokesperson Charles Chauvel said.

"It's hard to reconcile the Government's stated commitment to renewable energy with their desire to mine minerals in our national parks.

“Gerry Brownlee thinks coal is 'sexy', so I'm not sure how he reconciles that with National’s supposed commitment to renewable energy. I hope joining this group is a serious move and not just gesture politics by this government.

Labour's Associate Energy Spokesperson Chris Hipkins says his Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill provides the perfect opportunity for the National Government to demonstrate it means what it says.

"One of National's first decisions upon becoming government was to reverse the legislative preference for new electricity to come from renewable sources that the last Labour government put in place," Chris Hipkins said.

“My Bill reinstates that renewable preference and if the National Government is genuinely committed to renewable energy, I look forward to them supporting my Bill to select committee.

"New Zealand can lead from the front on renewable energy and gain economic and environment benefit. The Government's commitment to joining the International Renewable Energy Agency is a step in the right direction, now it needs to be backed up with real action," Charles Chauvel and Chris Hipkins said.

ENDS

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