New Zealand Energy, Economy and Emissions Account (1997 - 2003)

The New Zealand Energy, Economy and Emissions Account (1997 - 2003) presents national and industry level information on energy demand, economic activity, and gas emissions for New Zealand. The industry level information contained in this report is important, as it provides the means to adapt policies to individual industries and activities.

Highlights for the period 1997 to 2003 include:

• Energy imports (crude oil, refined petroleum oils, and coal) increased by more than 25 percent.
• New Zealand’s total Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions increased by 21 percent since 1997.
• New Zealand’s total CO2 and Nitrous Oxides (NOx) emissions increased at a greater than economic growth as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• The petroleum and chemical industry was New Zealand’s most energy intensive industry, the result of using gas for methanol and urea production.
• Emissions from petroleum refining increased by more than 27 percent.
• While the transport and storage industry was New Zealand’s largest CO2 emitter, energy and emission intensities decreased by around 10 percent.
• The basic metal industry’s (New Zealand’s fourth largest energy user) energy intensity decreased by more than 20 percent.
• The food and beverages industry’s (New Zealand’s fifth largest energy user) CO2 emissions increased at a greater rate than its contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth.
• The mining industry’s energy and CO2 emission intensities increased by 20 percent.
• The fishing industry’s energy demand and CO2 emissions increased at a greater rate than its contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth.