Bonn Agreement Is Great News For Renewable Energy In New Zealand

"This is great news for renewable energy industry in New Zealand" said Alistair Wilson, chairman of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. "NZWEA shares the profound sense of relief that a decision in the interests of the environment has been reached."

"NZWEA joins with others in the New Zealand renewable energy industry in congratulations to Energy Minister Pete Hodgson for the very constructive role he played in bringing about this agreement" said Mr Wilson.

"Now comes the hard part for all New Zealanders - we need to make the agreement work. The New Zealand Government needs to provide corrective market signals as soon as possible" said Mr Wilson. "We must signal to the electricity industry that new gas and coal fired power stations will be hit by significant carbon emission penalties."

The Bonn agreement emphasizes that New Zealand can not rely on the planting of new forests to solve our problems. It calls for strong energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy will be the first policy decisions to be made by Government, with an announcement expected before 1st October, and prior to the Kyoto ratification debate in Parliament.

"A public meeting to discuss the proposed mechanisms to support renewable energy will be held on 31 July in Wellington (see www.windenergy.org.nz). NZWEA is very keen for the Strategy to include strong, enforceable, mechanisms to support renewable energy services such as wind power, solar and bioenergy" concluded Mr Wilson.

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