KEY POINTS:
New Zealand, far from heading towards sustainability in energy use, is going in the opposite direction, according to Statistics New Zealand's latest energy report.
In its Energy and the Economy 1997-2006 study of energy use, SNZ showed energy consumption per person grew 9 per cent over the period.
Energy imports, almost all fossil fuels such as oil, petrol and coal, rose by 42 per cent over the nine years.
Use of non-renewable energy increased through the period to 83 per cent of total energy used from 82 per cent in 2005 and 80 per cent at the start of the study. Energy intensity across the economy decreased by 9 per cent as the economy grew faster than energy use.
Demand for energy increased by 21 per cent from 1997 to 2006 to 513PJ (petajoules). The increase in demand accelerated from 2002-2004 but has stabilised as energy prices have risen.
The increase in energy use for the period was driven mainly by increased use of fossil fuels, which grew by 88PJ, or 26 per cent. The increase in demand for imported fossil fuels has been mainly driven by transport requirements as well as an increased reliance on coal-generated electricity. During the period, energy exports fell by 14 per cent despite a 39 per cent increase in coal exports, mainly due to the reduced extraction of crude and condensate from the Maui oilfield.
Electricity accounted for 26 per cent of energy used, followed by petrol, 22 per cent, and diesel, 21 per cent.
Households used 31 per cent of energy, followed by the transport and storage industry, 21 per cent.
The statistics do not include wood as a source of energy but this is likely to be included in future studies.
- NZPA
