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ITEM
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WHAT IS HAPPENING
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DATE
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Transpower Connections Management Framework and dashboard
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Following consultation last year (in response to unprecedented connection requests), Transpower has implemented its revised application process and dashboard for <500MW connections to ensure applicants can demonstrate "project readiness" and payment of a fee before being allocated grid capacity.
Look out for our thoughts on this in an upcoming Energy Blog post.
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January 2023
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RMA Reform – submissions due
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Submissions have closed on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill. The Select Committee is expected to report back to Parliament in May 2023.
We expect to see the new Act passed before the election this year!
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5 February 2023
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NZ Battery Project
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Decision expected on the NZ Battery Project at Lake Onslow following the completion of Phase 1 feasibility studies and delay of the decisions in December last year.
Watch this space and see our Infrastructure Market Update for more information here.
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First quarter 2023
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Meridian Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
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Meridian recently announced that it would commence construction of a large-scale BESS project in the first quarter of 2023, being a 100MW system at Ruakākā.
Energy storage is an increasingly important link in the electricity system if NZ is to meet its 100% renewable electricity generation target.
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First quarter 2023
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New transmission pricing methodology
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Transpower (New Zealand's national transmission grid owner and system operator) will implement a new transmission pricing methodology.
Watch this space as the new methodology is reported to become under scrutiny from judicial review.
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1 April 2023
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Consultation on a new offshore renewables regulatory framework
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Feedback can be provided on the proposed approaches to the initial feasibility stage of offshore renewables development. See here for more information.
Exciting to see this consultation move forward – the open question for us is whether the Government can implement at pace in accordance with its intent to have a framework in place by 2024.
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14 April 2023
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Report due on Sustainable Biofuel Obligation Bill
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Evidence on the Bill has been given at Select Committee which if passed into law would come into effect from 1 April 2024 starting with a 2.4% emissions reduction target.
How closely NZ ties into international standards and what type of biofuels are permitted are key aspects of submissions on the Bill.
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27 April 2023
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National direction for climate change
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A National Policy Statement and National Environmental Standard is expected to come into force on industrial heat greenhouse gas emissions (including an immediate ban on new industrial low temperature coal burning activities).
National direction to address industrial GHG emissions will undoubtedly shake up industrial processes.
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First half of 2023
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Regulatory backstop under the Fuel Industry Act 2020
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MBIE is developing a regulatory backstop under the Fuel Industry Act 2020, which would allow terminal gate prices of wholesale suppliers to be price regulated if the New Zealand Commerce Commission considers that excessive terminal gate prices are being offered.
Regulation of our fuels sector continues to be under scrutiny. Market forces vs government intervention – a tale as old as time!
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Mid 2023
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RMA reform – Bills passed
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The Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill are proposed to be enacted before the general election.
See our top 10 things to know here. A new regulatory landscape is coming soon.
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Mid 2023
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Additional consultation on a new offshore renewables regulatory framework
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Feedback will be sought on the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of offshore renewables development.
Part two of the offshore renewable's consultation. Will need to happen at pace if the Government will stay on course to implement the new framework by 2024.
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Expected mid 2023
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The Electricity Authority's Code amendment prohibiting 150MW-plus electricity contracts
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With consultation closed and the Code amendment prohibiting 150MW-plus electricity contracts expiring in May 2023 the EA are set to release their decision on the Code amendment.
If a permanent Code amendment is implemented clarity on what is in and what is out of scope will be key.
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Early to mid 2023
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New Zealand general election
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Expect both major political parties to start rolling out their election campaign policies, which will undoubtedly impact the energy space.
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Mid 2023 to 14 October 2023
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Development of the roadmap for hydrogen
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This is to set Government objectives for hydrogen in Aotearoa and how it can assist to reduce emissions and reap positive economic benefits.
This roadmap will inform the Energy Strategy being developed.
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End of 2023
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Gas Transition Plan
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This will set out the immediate steps on a long-term pathway to phasing out fossil gas is expected to be completed. This plan will be an input to the Energy Strategy and will explore opportunities for renewable gases and aims to ensure an equitable transition from fossil gases.
Security of supply balanced against emissions targets a key focus area for this plan.
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End of 2023
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Consultation on New Zealand's Energy Strategy
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This is being developed to support Aotearoa New Zealand's transition to a low emissions economy, as part of the Government's wider initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Following criticism of the timeline the Government commits to its current timetable.
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Targeted consultation in 2023, with the strategy being finalised in 2024
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Climate Adaptation Bill
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The Climate Adaptation Bill is expected to be introduced by the end of 2023.
Guidance on the Bill is expected to be released in March – watch this space.
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End of 2023
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