Science Centres: Energy

Cutting emissions: what will it take?

In early May, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a ‘Summary for Policymakers’ of its latest report examining the options and costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Current policies and practices, it says, would see global greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow over the next few decades. But the report suggests that we can reduce emissions substantially – and at manageable cost – through a combination of existing and new technologies, and non-technological solutions such as lifestyle changes.

We asked National Centre leader Dr Rob Whitney: Which of the key current energy supply technologies and practices identified in the IPCC report are most promising for New Zealand?

Improved supply, distribution, and end-use efficiency

"Greater investment in energy efficiency is critical. The energy system must encourage efficient decisions. And the money saved should be recycled back into energy efficient investment at all stages – from generators to end-users. Industry is closely following the details of a proposed emissions trading system. For consumers, labelling and minimum performance standards can provide useful information and certainty."

Fuel switching, from coal to gas

In New Zealand, the trend is opposite because of uncertainties about future gas supply. "The message is to make sure we use gas in the optimum manner. A good example is the new Genesis e3p combined cycle gas turbine at Huntly."

Nuclear power

"Internationally, nuclear power is definitely part of the mix, but we are better to focus on our indigenous energy resources. We should watch Australia closely here; there is a much more compelling case for them to go nuclear."

Renewable heat & power

On our range of renewables: "We need to choose the right ones and ensure they are integrated properly into the energy system." With wind, "the question is how much will people accept, and how to manage wind generation so it doesn’t hurt the efficiency of other assets on the grid as it has done in Ireland." With bioenergy, the key resource is likely to be forestry waste. "We’ll need to balance the use against the energy cost of collection."

Carbon capture & storage

New Zealand needs to look at early opportunities to demonstrate carbon capture and storage (CCS), says Rob. The Foundation for Research, Science, & Technology is expected to announce funding shortly for research on CCS in New Zealand. "CO₂ is already removed from Kapuni gas to get it to pipeline quality, so this could be a good place to start. We also need to start developing a better understanding of the processes occurring when CO₂ is injected into geological structures."

World Energy Council view

The World Energy Council Director of Studies Dr Bob Schock attended the IPCC plenary in Bangkok which finalised the Summary for Policymakers. Dr Schock said that the IPCC report backs up the World Energy Council’s call for a threephase approach to a low-carbon future: (1) from now to 2015 – credible commitments and slower emissions growth; (2) by 2030 – emissions stabilisation; and (3) by 2050 – sustainable emissions reduction.

Beyond 2030?

"By 2030, we should see hydrogen vehicles available for selected uses," says National Centre Leader, Dr Rob Whitney. "Beyond 2030, the demand for hydrogen fuel will grow substantially and we will require zero emission lignite-derived hydrogen to enable us to meet that demand."

To download the Summary for Policymakers: www.ipcc.ch