Power blackouts highlight urgent energy challenge
New Zealand鈥檚 energy shortage suddenly became very real for people shivering in their 天美直播s without power, according to 天美直播
鈥淯ntil now it has been the industrial sector feeling the pressure of energy shortages, but the supply gap has now become a gulf,鈥� says chief executive John Carnegie.
鈥淚t shows the crucial importance of natural gas in providing a back-up, literally keeping the lights on and saving people鈥檚 lives.
鈥淩enewable energy is great but it can鈥檛 cope with current demand on a cold night.
鈥淲e are deeply worried over what will happen in a few years when electricity demand is even higher and natural gas supply even more precarious.
鈥淎s we become more dependent on electricity generated by the weather, the importance of natural gas as a readily available back-up becomes even more important. This was recognised by the Climate Change Commission who see this role continuing until at least 2050.
鈥淭ogether with the IPCC鈥檚 new report, this is a sobering reminder of the challenges in achieving the balanced energy system we all want 鈥� reliable, affordable and sustainable.
鈥淲e just can鈥檛 afford to pick and choose favoured energy sources 鈥� we need all options on the table.
鈥淭he smooth transition we all want is suddenly looking quite lumpy. It鈥檚 time for the Government and industry to work together to encourage new energy investment, ensuring blackouts remain a third world phenomenon.鈥�