90% renewable energy target is achievable (New Zealand)

[jpak]

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0803/S00113.htm

The Labour-led government’s target of generating 90 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 is readily achievable, Energy Minister David Parker says.

Mighty River Power’s announcement today for a proposed 132 megawatt geothermal power plant to be built at Rotokawa, north of Taupo, is further evidence that the goal makes economic as well as environmental sense, the Minister said.

“In order to reach our 90 percent target by 2025, we need to build about 175 MW of renewable electricity generation each year. This year alone we’re building around 300 MW (which excludes this latest 132MW). This shows the target is well within grasp.

“The potential we have in geothermal energy generation is important. Investment in geothermal provides us with a renewable form of baseload generation that shores up intermittant generation sources like wind.”

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[eppur_se_muova]

1. For NZ, being on top of a subduction zone, sure.

Not every location has that kind of geothermal energy available -- and such zones tend to bring lots of earthquakes with them.

Glad to see one example out there, though, that makes people think others might be achievable.

[Wellingtonrules]

2. 90% renewable energy target is achievable (New Zealand)

Similar projects were proposed especially in Wyoming but environmental groups trashed the idea so they never got off the ground.

[jpak]

3. Sorry - we don't want geothermal development in our Crown Jewel national park, Yellowstone

anymore than Kiwis want wind farms and hydroelectric facilities in Milford Sound...

[BeFree]

4. Yeah, but....

Unless we start conserving, Yellowstone will be drilled. Offshore of Florida will be drilled. Every place will be drilled.

We can produce renewables enough to keep our economy going and drill everything in sight, but if we don't use the resouces economically there will never be enough of anything.