Greenhouse gas emission in December 2008 quarter was lowest since March quarter of 2005.
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee said this is a very positive level in renewable electricity generation after a very dry autumn and winter last year, although it still doesn’t mean we can rule out thermal generation being an insurance card in dry years.
However, it is pleasing to see the opening of the Kawerau geothermal power station last year making geothermal sources a bigger contributor to renewable generation.
Brownlee further continued that the figures also showed a drop in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation for the December 2008 quarter, reflecting the reduced use of gas and coal generation as the hydro lakes recovered.
