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New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND
| First Nuclear Power Plant Opened: | One has never been opened, although plans began for one in 1968 and were later discarded in 1972 when additional gas fields and coal reserves were discovered. Disccussions on nuclear power have begun to surface since it became apparent that hydro-electric potential has reached its limit. |
| Number and Types of Nuclear Power Plants: | None |
| Percentage of National Energy From Nuclear Power: | None (58% hydro, 24.5% gas, 7.6% coal, 6.7% geothermal, 2% wind, 1.3% biomass) |
| Future Nuclear Power Plans: | Nuclear power remains an option for New Zealand; however, formal plans have not been announced. |
ANALYSIS / ISSUES
When gas production began to decline, the Huntly power station began to use 80% coal fuel. The future of coal usage will face increasing restrictions due to progress made in limiting the amounts of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere. Nuclear power is an emissions-free option that seems like a fit for New Zealand as it deals with a limited supply of natural gas and pressures to prevent global warming by reducing emissions.
New Zealand wants to promote and preserve a "clean, green image" even if in doing so it clings to ideas that are merely principle, rather than practical. Environmental problems can be avoided by switching to nuclear power, as waste is contained within the plant. Nuclear power would allow New Zealand to maintain its aesthetic appeal, for tourism, and generate enough power to continue meeting Auckland's growing energy needs.
At the annual National Power NZ conference in February 27, 2005, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard stated that the government was committed to keeping New Zealand nuclear-free, including nuclear power plants. The nuclear issue was part of a debate about the future of secure, clean energy options in New Zealand and Australia. While the New Zealand government refuses to use nuclear power, they have not yet ruled it out as a proposal idea.