Volume One 18. Energy 18. Energy Introduction Energy is used to provide heat, light and transport and enables people to provide for their wellbeing, health and safety. Sufficient affordable energy is also a key factor in the health of the transport, primary production, industrial and commercial sectors and therefore the Marlborough economy. In short, energy is an essential part of our lives. Energy is only a resource insofar as other natural and physical resources may have stored or potential energy released to do useful work. New Zealand’s energy needs in terms of fuel and electricity have historically been met from oil, gas, coal, wood, hydro (water), geothermal and, more recently, wind energy resources. The majority of Marlborough’s energy needs are met by out-of-district energy sources. The only significant sources of “domestic” energy are from wood used for domestic heating and from the Branch and Waihopai hydroelectric schemes, which supply approximately 18% of Marlborough’s electricity needs. Central government has historically had primary responsibility for energy resources. Through Central Government ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Electricity Authority, the Commerce Commission, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, there are a variety of statutes, regulations and strategies in place to manage energy resources and issues. Central government has recognised the importance of renewable electricity generated through the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation (NPSREG), which came into effect in 2011. The NPSREG defines the matters of significance relating to renewable electricity generation activities throughout New Zealand and these matters of national significance are strengthened in the objective to the NPSREG, which states its purpose as being: “To recognise the national significance of renewable electricity generation activities by providing for the development, operation, maintenance and upgrading of new and existing renewable electricity generation activities, such that the proportion of New Zealand’s electricity generated from renewable energy resources increases to a level that meets or exceeds the New Zealand Government’s national target for renewable electricity generation.” The Council is required to give effect to the NPSREG in the Marlborough Environment Plan (MEP). Local government has an important role in supporting central government, especially in the implementation of the New Zealand Energy Strategy. The Strategy proposes a target of generating 90 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Renewable energy is that which comes from a naturally replenished resource. Section 7 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) requires the Council to have “particular regard” to the efficient use and development of the energy resource. As any non-renewable energy resource is essentially unsustainable, Section 7 requires the Council to have particular regard to the benefits to be derived from the use and development of renewable energy. The RMA also implicitly requires councils to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of the use and development of energy resources. Therefore, although considerable positive effects may be created through the use of renewable energy resources, this use still needs to be sustainable in a wider environmental context. Other chapters of the MEP will therefore also be relevant to the consideration of any renewable energy developments. 18 – 1