Rethinking New Zealand’s Energy Future: A Call for Strategic Reform
Renée Jens, Sustainability and Energy Manager at Dominion Salt, is a chemical and process engineer with a Master’s in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science. Her latest paper explores the economic impact of New Zealand’s natural gas shortage—and calls for bold, strategic reform in how the country approaches energy and emissions policy.
Renée’s analysis goes beyond identifying problems. She’s actively advocating for change through two petitions aimed at reshaping New Zealand’s energy strategy and reforming the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
🔑 Structural Reform
Renée argues that New Zealand’s government structure needs simplification. Overlapping and conflicting ministerial portfolios hinder long-term planning. She points to countries like Norway and Singapore as models of efficient governance and strategic foresight.
🔋 A Long-Term Energy Strategy
At the heart of her proposal is a 50-year bipartisan energy plan—one that balances traditional fuels with renewable innovation. Key elements include:
- Continued use of coal, gas, LPG, diesel, and petrol where necessary for energy security and affordability.
- Support for renewables like geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and emerging technologies (e.g., hydrogen, biogas, small nuclear).
- Infrastructure upgrades to support distributed generation and grid stability.
- Regular reviews to adapt to evolving technologies and energy needs.
🧠 Independent Expert Advisory Panel
Renée proposes the creation of an independent advisory panel made up of representatives from:
- Industry
- Academia
- Technical energy experts
- Finance
- Community
- Policy sectors
This panel would guide and review the national energy strategy, ensuring diverse perspectives and consensus-driven decisions.
💡 ETS Reform
The current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is under scrutiny. Renée’s paper calls for:
- Removing electricity generation from the ETS to reduce household power bills.
- Allowing businesses to reinvest ETS costs into their own decarbonisation efforts.
- Applying ETS only when viable alternatives exist.
🥕 Incentives Over Penalties
Rather than punitive measures, Renée advocates for targeted funding and incentives—similar to Australia’s approach. Supporting industry and households in their transition is key to achieving meaningful decarbonisation.
🗳️ Support the Petitions
Renée has launched two petitions to drive change:
- 📌 Energy Strategy Petition
Calls for a realistic, long-term energy plan that includes both traditional fuels and renewables, with regional flexibility and innovation. - 📌 ETS Reform Petition
Challenges the current ETS framework, proposing reforms that reduce costs and empower businesses to invest in sustainable practices.
Renée Jens is urging New Zealanders to support these initiatives and help shape a smarter, more resilient energy future.
👉 #Sign the Energy Strategy Petition
👉 #Sign the ETS Reform Petition