Project Aqua Rethink Demands Government Rethink

“The demise of the Project Aqua hydro development will leave a big gap in New Zealand’s energy supply,” said New Zealand First energy spokesperson, Peter Brown.

“The Government must come up with a realistic answer for a prospective energy shortage and rising prices for both business and residential customers this winter.

“The Government needs to urgently address New Zealand’s viable energy alternatives, such as coal.

“We have 15 billion tonnes of coal in this country, of which nearly 9 billion is readily accessible. The Government should be giving strong consideration to encouraging coal to be used as a method of fuel.

I understand the Germans use coal by process of gasification which, quite simply, means that they turn the coal into gas. This method is much more environmentally friendly than burning coal direct.

“The Government needs to put the Kyoto Protocol on hold and make the consideration of New Zealanders its first priority,” concluded Mr Brown.

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