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3 Significant Resource Management Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods
3.12 Energy
3.12.1 Energy
Energy as a resource is used to provide heat, light, and transport. Energy enables people to provide for their well-being, health and safety, and is a key factor in the regional (and national) economy. Sources of energy include the sun, geothermal resources, fossil fuels (e.g. coal, gas, oil), biomass, wind and water. In the Waikato Region the main energy sources used are oil, coal, gas, geothermal resources and rivers (hydro-electricity).
The Waikato Region is a significant contributor to New Zealand's electricity generation and distribution infrastructure. Major generators include 12 hydro, two thermal and two geothermal power stations. There are also several smaller generators and co-generation plants.
Due to its strategic location in the centre of the North Island, the Waikato can be described as an 'energy corridor' linking Auckland and areas to the north, with energy sources both within the Region and to the south. Major gas and electricity transmission lines traverse the Waikato on a north-south axis.
New Zealand's energy generation, distribution and consumption are inefficient. The country's energy sources are roughly provided by oil (40 percent), electricity (30 percent) and others (30 percent). The average loss in the production and distribution are approximately 30 percent and the losses between the consumer and the desired output are about 60 percent (1991/1992 figures)
Each pathway that the energy takes from generation/production through to consumption is different, thus each form of energy must be considered separately when viewing efficiency. It must be noted that even if the process being considered is not very efficient it could be the most efficient way to provide the required energy when compared to the alternatives.
In relation to global effects, the most effective and efficient methods of implementation are likely to be national and international agreements and initiatives. Although small scale, local actions would complement initiatives with global objectives. However, there will also be local benefits in pursuing particular actions that incidentally help resolve a global concern. For example, improving energy efficiency in transport reduces local pollution, saves resources and assists global CO2 reduction programs.
As demand for energy changes, it is probable that further energy developments will occur. The effects of these developments as well as energy conservation and the efficient use of energy sources are important issues that need addressing. The increase in energy generation can be slowed by increasing the efficiency of generation and consumption, resulting in less environmental degradation.
Summary of Significant Resource Management Issues |
The following is a summary of significant resource management issues that have been identified from the overview section of the energy section:
- Inefficient energy production and use uses natural resources at a greater rate than is needed and results in unnecessary adverse effects on natural and physical resources.
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