Onslow critics ignore the economics of a 100-year lifespan: Upton

Question the numbers: parliamentary commissioner for the environment, Simon Upton (Image: PCE)

Fri, 16 Jun 2023

Opposition to the Lake Onslow pumped hydro initiative because of its $15 billion estimated cost are ignoring the fact that it would be spread over 100 years, making it less expensive in the long run than identified alternatives, says the parliamentary commissioner for the environment, Simon Upton.In a briefing to media on his office’s latest piece of research into the economics of decarbonising the New Zealand electricity system, Upton expressed concern that the debate about Onslow had failed to apply appropriate discount rates for such a...

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