Voters Voice recognizes the complex debate surrounding coal use in New Zealand and proposes a balanced, pragmatic approach where coal can serve as a compromise energy source, particularly when it can be utilized in a cleaner manner.
We support investment in advanced pollution control to significantly reduce emissions from coal plants, offering tax incentives for companies that invest in or implement these technologies. We encourage the construction of new or retrofitting of existing coal plants to high-efficiency, low-emission (HELE) standards, which can burn coal more efficiently, thus reducing emissions per unit of energy produced.
Stringent but achievable emissions standards will be set for coal plants, ensuring they can only operate with the latest pollution control technologies. Coal will be recognized as a transitional fuel where renewable energy sources are not yet sufficient to meet demand, used strategically to maintain energy security while aggressively pursuing renewable alternatives.
For regions heavily reliant on coal, we will provide support for workers through retraining programs and economic diversification initiatives, ensuring a just transition to cleaner energy sources. We acknowledge that coal mining contributes to local economies, proposing policies that balance environmental goals with economic realities, including phased retirement plans for coal facilities.
We will fund research into cleaner coal technologies like coal gasification, which can convert coal into synthetic gas with fewer emissions, and explore co-firing opportunities with biomass to reduce environmental impact. International partnerships will be facilitated to share technological advancements in clean coal, ensuring New Zealand benefits from global innovations while contributing to them.
Transparent reporting will be required from coal plants regarding their emissions, efficiency, and compliance with clean technology mandates, fostering public trust and accountability. Policies will be implemented where new or upgraded coal facilities require community consent, ensuring local populations have a say in environmental and economic decisions affecting them.
A balanced energy portfolio will be maintained that includes coal as part of a broader strategy prioritizing renewables without abruptly abandoning existing infrastructure or jobs. Coal plants with clean technologies will be used to provide base-load power or as backup during times when renewable output is low, ensuring grid stability.
We propose a long-term plan for the gradual phase-out of coal, contingent on the development of sufficient renewable capacity and storage solutions, allowing time for economic adjustments. There will be exploration into repurposing existing coal infrastructure for cleaner energy uses, such as converting sites for renewable energy generation or using them for energy storage.
An Energy Policy Council will be established to oversee the balance between clean energy transition and coal utilization, ensuring policies reflect both environmental and economic imperatives. Regular policy reviews will be committed to adjusting for technological advancements, economic changes, and shifts in public sentiment.
By adopting this balanced approach, Voters Voice aims to leverage coal's potential in a way that minimizes environmental impact while addressing the immediate needs for energy security, economic stability, and a just transition to a cleaner energy future.
Voters Voice recognizes the need for a comprehensive energy strategy that includes oil and gas, investment in power supply projects, a review of modern nuclear technology, and importantly, the establishment of a domestic oil refinery. Here is our approach:
We advocate for a pragmatic approach to oil and gas, ensuring that exploration and extraction are conducted with the highest environmental standards. Support for domestic oil and gas production will continue, but with enhanced regulations to minimize environmental impact, including better waste management, spill prevention, and habitat protection. We will streamline the permitting process for oil and gas operations where they do not conflict with significant environmental concerns, aiming for efficiency without compromising safety or ecological health. Encourage the development of technologies for methane capture and utilization, reducing emissions from natural gas operations.
We commit to increasing investment in a diverse range of power supply projects to meet growing energy demands and enhance energy reliability. Promote infrastructure development for both centralized and distributed energy systems, including upgrades to the national grid to handle increased renewable energy inputs. Support public-private partnerships to finance large-scale energy projects that can deliver power more efficiently and at lower costs to consumers. Incentivize the development of energy storage solutions to pair with renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable power supply.
A thorough review of modern nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, will be conducted to assess their viability for New Zealand's energy needs. We will explore the potential of nuclear power in providing a stable, low-emission energy source, looking at safety, waste management, and economic aspects. If deemed safe and beneficial, we would support pilot projects or demonstration plants to test modern nuclear technology, focusing on those that offer significant improvements over traditional nuclear power in terms of safety, waste, and cost. Engage in international collaboration to learn from global advancements in nuclear technology, ensuring any adoption aligns with New Zealand's regulatory framework and public sentiment.
Maintain a balanced energy portfolio that leverages existing resources while transitioning towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Ensure that all energy policies are developed with public consultation, transparency, and with an eye towards energy security, economic impact, and environmental health. Investigate the potential for energy corridors or zones where different forms of energy production can coexist, benefiting from shared infrastructure and reduced land use conflicts. Encourage research into integrating different energy sources for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Support local economies where oil, gas, and power projects are located through job creation, training programs, and infrastructure development. Implement policies to ensure that benefits from energy projects are shared with local communities, possibly through revenue-sharing models or community investment opportunities. Address the social license to operate by ensuring communities have a voice in energy decisions that affect their areas.
Review and update regulations to keep pace with technological advancements across all energy sectors, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. Foster an environment where innovation in energy technologies is supported through grants, tax incentives, and regulatory sandboxes for testing new ideas.
We propose a policy to develop New Zealand's own oil refinery to process our domestically produced oil, reducing reliance on imported refined products and enhancing national energy security. This would support local employment and stimulate economic activity in the refining sector, reduce transportation costs and emissions associated with importing refined oil, provide a buffer against international supply disruptions, ensuring a more stable fuel supply for the nation, and encourage the development of technology and expertise in oil refining, potentially leading to innovations in cleaner fuel production. The establishment of such a refinery would be subject to rigorous environmental assessments, ensuring it meets or exceeds international standards for emissions and waste management. We will explore under intense scrutiny public-private partnerships(NGO'S) to fund and manage the project, ensuring that it is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Establish or enhance an independent body to oversee energy policy implementation, ensuring that the balance between economic, environmental, and energy security objectives is maintained. Regular assessments will be conducted to adapt policies to technological developments, market changes, and public feedback.
By adopting this comprehensive and balanced approach, Voters Voice aims to secure New Zealand's energy future, promote economic growth, protect the environment, and keep pace with global energy innovations.