Media Statement

Tuesday, 21 July 2009

New Zealand Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2009 released

The Ministry of Economic Development today released the latest edition of the New Zealand Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions report. It presents statistics on direct greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and industrial processes, with annual data from 1990 to the end of 2008.

Key highlights of this edition include:
• Total emissions from the energy sector were around four percent higher in 2008 than in 2007.
• Emissions from national transport and electricity generation made up 42 percent and 22 percent of total energy sector emissions respectively.
• Emissions from national transport decreased four percent from 2007, largely in response to high petrol and diesel prices and the global recession.
• Emissions from electricity generation were around 15 percent higher in 2008 than in 2007. This was due to 2008 being a dry year.
• Emissions from coal were around 37 percent higher in 2008 than in 2007, reflecting increased use of coal for electricity generation.
• Geothermal electricity generation increased by around 49 percent in 2008 with the Kawerau plant coming online.
• In 2008 emissions for industrial processes decreased by five percent.
• Carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion in New Zealand have increased by 72 percent since 1990, compared to a global increase of 33 percent.
• Last year was the first commitment period for the Kyoto protocol, with New Zealand’s total emissions counting towards its international obligation for the first time.

Background
Printed copies of the New Zealand Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions report can be purchased for NZ$40.00 (plus GST and postage). Alternatively, the report is available online, free of charge, at www.med.govt.nz/energy/ghg/.

Information on the full range of energy publications produced by the Ministry of Economic Development, along with the latest quarterly data, can be found at www.med.govt.nz/energy/publications/.

ENDS

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