16 May 2005
Kyoto boost for farmers, environment and power users
This government's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is set to deliver benefits to farmer shareholders, the environment
and power users in an Ashburton hydro scheme. Trust Power's proposed scheme in mid Canterbury has been awarded 58,850
internationally tradable emissions units under the government's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme. If sold at $15
each would be worth $882,750.
"This government is taking a responsible approach to climate change and managing our economy. The key to this is the
ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Under it we are transforming our economy for growth in a world where greenhouse gas
emissions are priced," says Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"The Programme would not exist if we were not in Kyoto. It alone is forecast to help us save over 11 million tonnes of
carbon dioxide emissions and has helped bring forward over 800 MW of power projects."
TrustPower's proposed project will utilise water flowing through existing irrigation schemes and has been developed
together with the owners of these facilities. The project is forecast to offset the emission of around 66,875 tonnes of
carbon dioxide between 2008 and 2012; the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
"By tackling climate change in this way, this scheme is helping to protect the environment and the unique Kiwi lifestyle
for future generations. At the same time, it will help meet the power needs of the growing regional economy in a
sustainable way."
Under the Programme, units are awarded to projects that lead to a net reduction in emission against business as usual
that would otherwise not go ahead and that are successful in a tender round. To date, 10 million units, which are
internationally tradable, have been put out for tender.
The proposal is subject to normal planning processes.
ENDS