Mar 30, 2008

Officials Share Concern Over Thermal Power Generation Ban

Fran O'Sullivan reports on the contents of a Cabinet Paper on the moratorium on new thermaal power generation. It seems to be agrreing with concerns from a wide range of business groups including the Business Council for Sustainable Development.

A big issue that the committee will need to confront is the planned moratorium on new thermal electricity generation.

The Cabinet's business committee considered proposals for the planned 10-year moratorium last August.

A Cabinet paper obtained by the Herald on Sunday noted there were potential risks associated with introducing a moratorium on new thermal generation.

Among the risks are the potential harmful effect on electricity supply; perceptions on the security of supply; and the impact on the exploration for petroleum products.