But I’m fast coming around to the idea that there is no solution to our energy problem that we’re going to love.
Our electricity system—our wider energy situation—is so broken now that whatever we do to try to fix it is going to have to be so drastic or expensive, it’s going to hurt.
For the LNG terminal, the problem is the cost for what is really a short-term band-aid.
We’re running out of gas fast. The entire country is.
It means we all have to get off gas. But that won’t happen overnight. It’ll take years, so we’ll probably run out before we’ve all switched to alternatives like electricity.
Hence the terminal – it will tide us over with gas until we’re all off it.
A billion dollars plus to get us through a few years? That’s pricey.
But not doing it—losing the Pan Pacs of this world—that’s much more costly. That’s a billion dollars, year after year after year, in lost revenue, income, and tax.
And this terminal is going to help Pan Pac stay here. That company is the last big pulp mill that hasn’t upped sticks. Maybe they do in the end, but the LNG terminal will keep them here for longer.
Yes, the LNG terminal decision hasn’t gone well for the Government. It’s going to divide opinion, if it hasn’t already. They’ve already had to backtrack on the gas levy that they spent weeks defending. It’s hardly going to look climate-friendly to the townie swing voter.
But it’s a tough call that probably needed to be made. And we’ve got more of these coming, because the LNG terminal won’t fix our energy system completely.
It’s an expensive solution for a short-term fix – but at least it is a fix.
Heather du Plessis-Allan is a journalist and radio broadcaster who hosts Newstalk ZB's weekday Drive-Time Show – where this article was sourced.
6 comments:
It’s great that you have accepted it HD. The taxpayers haven’t.
Thats the problem Heather. Too many people think like you.
If I could wish a week without energy on you and everyone who 'didn't want this solution' I would.
Most wouldn't last 2 days, let alone the week and then would start squealing like the feeble patsys they are.
You all need to get a firm grip on reality. Do you want to wake up with a warm home or not?
Yep you guys can have anything you want, don't want this solution, yep we can go all eco......get out your wallets, its going to cost billions. What's that i hear, oh just more idiots squealing....never mind.
The problem is Ardern's irrational decision to stop exploring for our own gas, and the ongoing Labour similar stance
All to grandstand in front of the world with a virtuous smirk on her face.
If you are anti natural gas, then you have to be pro nuclear power, or revert to cooking on a wood fire.
NZ loves virtual signaling - but doesnt want to plan and pay for it - we knew this would be the outcome but still cancelled the gas option - weve become a shipload of fools
All those talking heads on TV, who claim that we have enough renewables to meet NZ electricity needs even in a dry year. Do I have a bridge to sell you! I've been around a long time: with regard to rainfall, even in ordinary years it's been necessary to use backup fuel - Indonesian coal, eg - to keep the lights on.
Yes, Ardern's decision was a piece of virtue-signalling idiocy. But here we are. NZ is still very dependent upon gas. The current government has had the wit to accept it, and attempt to do something about it. Many domestic consumers use gas for cooking and heating. Switching to electricity is often easier said than done. Then there's industry, and power generation. Which would people rather we burned to keep the lights on and the EVs charged? Indonesian coal, or gas?
Good to have an alternative to electricity for when the pylon falls over or some other accident occurs to disrupt supply.
Will help keep power price down.
Also make use of the existing underground distribution infrastructure.
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