On Saturday night, New Zealand’s government was expected to lift a ban on oil and gas drilling amid fears of blackouts. Labour also plans to implement a similar crackdown in the North Sea.
The coalition government of the country is getting ready to invite energy firms to resume exploration at three offshore gas fields, which supply most of the country’s gas.
Last month, National Grid operator Transpower had to warn households to reduce their electricity consumption to avoid a power outage during a cold spell.
The decision by Shane Jones to reverse the ban will be seen as a defeat for green activists. It is also likely to be viewed as a loss for Labour, after Ed Miliband repeatedly promised to stop new drilling for gas and oil in UK waters.
Industry leaders have applauded New Zealand’s new direction. John Carnegie, CEO of Energy Resources Aotearoa and chief executive of the trade body, said that they welcomed the return of sensible, pragmatic policies to manage the upstream oil-and-gas sector fairly for the benefit of New Zealanders.
New Zealand is facing an energy shortage that threatens the electricity system as well as our exporters’ competitiveness.
We urgently need more investment in exploration to keep our lights on, houses warm and businesses humming.
Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation from the position of New Zealand Prime Minister in 2023, and introduced an exploration ban. Her party was ousted from office in an election held that fall and replaced by a coalition of right-wingers.
Mr Carnegie stated that the policy has destroyed jobs, and caused energy chaos.
He said that British politicians should take New Zealand’s situation as a lesson. “If you cut your own supplies, you will push up prices and create jobs. Our politicians wanted look like leaders when it came to tackling climate changes, but instead, they created an energy crisis.”
has already criticized Mr Miliband for his attack on offshore industry, as have two of the Labour Party’s most important union funders – GMB and Unite.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, told Labour leaders the policy would destroy jobs and force Britain to import more oil.
In a press release, she said: “Labour must abandon this irresponsible approach.” It is clear that there is no viable plan to replace North Sea jobs, or ensure energy security. Unite won’t stand by while these workers are thrown in the trash. North Sea workers can’t be sacrificed to achieve net zero.”
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