New gas-fired electricity generation needed now to reduce emissions

New gas-fired electricity generation needed now to reduce emissions
Gas may be a dirty word for some, but it is needed to power turbines says a Mercury executive. (Image: Getty)
Ian Llewellyn
The electricity system needs to build new fast-fired gas electricity generation plant now, on a similar scale to the existing Huntly power station, to avoid blackouts and decarbonise, says Mercury’s generation portfolio manager, Phil Gibson.The seemingly counterintuitive proposal to create new greenhouse emissions to reduce them in the long run is based on fears that the current system relies on ageing coal and gas-fired plant – mainly Huntly – and does not have the margins for mishap that any sensible engineer requires.Gibson...

More Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend
Policy

Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend

Draft plan identifies priority projects and recommends transport system reform.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out
Policy

Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out

Rail, prison and ferry terminal projects excluded from infrastructure priority list.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Govt funds $5.6m for joint NZ-Nasa Earth observation projects
Policy

Govt funds $5.6m for joint NZ-Nasa Earth observation projects

Nasa will contribute data and nearly $2m in staff time and expertise.

Greg Hurrell 24 Jun 2025