Leo Neal: Coal could be the answer to our problems

Some years ago, I would have supported the decommissioning of the old Meremere coal-fired power station. Built in the 50s, it used technology of that era - very outdated in the 21st century.

Since then, our society has changed. Apartment living and high rise office buildings have increased the summer power demand to levels unthought of back then. Hydro storage, short term by world standards, is needed all year round. It makes economic sense to continue using the Meremere site.

The business community is sensitive to hints of electricity supply problems, either real or imagined. As a nation, our prosperity will become more dependent on value-added products for which a reliable source of electricity is vital.

Greater Auckland is a special case. Not only is the total electricity supply a concern, getting it to the city area is also a significant issue.

An additional electricity supply source would give some breathing space while the need for the 400kV transmission line is further evaluated.

While in some quarters coal is a dirty word, we can't escape from the fact that New Zealand has oodles of it. The use of super critical technology will reduce the CO2 outputs, as well as cleaning the gas emissions to an acceptable level (or close to it). Land is still available for forest plantings to maintain our contribution to Kyoto.

Coal is readily available from a number of regions, some close to the Meremere site. The prime source would be Huntly, but Ohura and Northland would also be viable options.

Both areas have good transport access and would benefit from the employment opportunities created. Why import expensive oil (with the associated supply risks) when we have our own indigenous supplies available?

A new coal-fired station could assist with easing the volume of rubbish currently clogging our landfills. The site has rail access allowing for both coal and rubbish to be delivered directly. Land is available to take the ash residue from the boilers.

The Meremere site is close to the metropolitan area - but in an area of low population. There is also land close by that could utilise some of the waste heat produced and provide useful employment. Industrial processes to greenhouses come to mind.

In favour of the proposal is that the Resource Consent process should be simplified as the site merely involves continuing use. Electricity transmission lines are already in the vicinity. The site is adjacent to SH1 and the Main Trunk Rail which would provide easy access during the construction phase.

The proposal is worthy of serious consideration.

* Leo Neal is a senior lecturer at AUT.