Renewable Energy and New Zealand
Fortress New Zealand outlines a plan for reducing our dependence on imported fuel, and expanding our renewable energy capacity, before there is a catastrophic collapse or interruption to our fuel supplies. This will involve a massive increase in renewable energy installations, investment in a sustainable public transport system, energy saving measures and energy efficient buildings, and gradual transfer to more appropriate means of technology.
New Zealand is already incredibly fortunate, in that 75% of our electricity is currently generated by renewable hydro-electric schemes. However, the real challenge we face is that at the moment we import $6 billion of oil every year. This is totally unsustainable, not only because it is increasingly expensive and going to run out, but it also contributes to continued global warming.
Fortress New Zealand postulates a return to a more traditional way of life, consistent with New Zealand’s rural heritage. Kiwis will need to live and work closer to their sources of food and fuel, in a more widely dispersed agricultural society. Such a return to the land would be popular with many people, who find city life stressful and unhealthy.