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 proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025