Summarised by Centrist
RNZ is reporting that a recent government briefing raises concerns about the increasing frequency of tight electricity supply situations, especially during cold winter mornings and evenings. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) outlines the challenge of ensuring sufficient electricity generation as the country transitions to more intermittent sources like wind and solar power.
According to the report, “keeping gas supplies going would be ‘critical … for some time’” as demand is slated to increase by about 70% by 2050.
The briefing also mentions a chart displaying an uptick in supply warnings since winter 2021. While the government has abandoned the goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, the MBIE is exploring options to maintain gas supplies, considering the role of green hydrogen production and emissions reduction measures to meet rising electricity demand.
