WELLINGTON, June 27 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins on Tuesday released the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022.
The Strategy, "Unlocking our energy productivity and renewable potential," is a companion to the New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021. It sets the direction for the government and specific actions for the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.
Collins said in a release that the goal of the strategy is for New Zealand to have an energy productive and low emissions economy.
"Through this strategy, we are encouraging businesses, individuals, and public sector agencies to take actions that will help New Zealand make the most of its clean, renewable energy sources and use energy more productively, which will benefit all New Zealanders," Collins said.
The strategy focuses on three priority areas that will provide the most cost-effective opportunities for energy savings and emissions reductions for New Zealand: process heat, transport and electricity.
Importantly, the targets are "measurable, reasonable and practicable by 2022," and the strategy includes a range of actions to help achieve them including the development of a new process heat action plan, she said.
The strategy also works in conjunction with the Energy Innovation Bill and other government policies and programs, including the Electric Vehicles Program.
"It is designed to provide clear direction for the energy sector over the next five years and will move New Zealand towards better energy productivity and lower emissions," said Collins.
