Seymour Advocates for Energy Policy Shift and Nuclear Discussion

David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, has proposed a significant shift in New Zealand’s energy policy, advocating for the sale of the Government’s 51% stakes in major energy companies: Meridian Energy, Mercury Energy, and Genesis Energy. His remarks came during a breakfast event in Wellington hosted by the industry association Energy Resources Aotearoa, where he emphasized the need for a mature discussion regarding the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy future.

Seymour’s statements reflected a desire for stability in energy policy, particularly in light of recent winter energy crises that resulted in soaring prices and production cutbacks in various factories. He criticized the trend of frequent policy changes, asserting that the nation’s energy future should not be dictated by a “couple of bad years.” “I am here to take the radical position of policy stability,” he stated. “We have had far too much chopping and changing and uncertainty, which people complain about, in most areas of policy.”

Diverging Views on Energy Policy

The ACT Party’s approach to energy stands in stark contrast to that of its coalition partner, NZ First. In February, Shane Jones, the deputy leader of NZ First, indicated that the party might support a comprehensive overhaul of the electricity market ahead of the upcoming election, citing a lack of confidence in current energy settings. Jones remarked that he had “zero confidence that the industry is going to solve this problem.”

Seymour rebutted this perspective, emphasizing the necessity of investment certainty to foster energy abundance. “The more you take that away, the less ‘abundance’ you get,” he noted. He argued that recognizing the long-term investment needed for energy generation is essential and stressed the importance of not undermining property rights.

Coal, Renewables, and Nuclear Options

Discussing the role of coal in New Zealand’s energy mix, Seymour suggested that utilizing some coal could support renewable energy generation. He questioned whether it would be detrimental for the country to increase its coal-derived energy from approximately 5% to 10%. “Surely a little sin justifies an otherwise blameless existence?” he queried, highlighting the potential benefits of coal as a reliable source of industrial heat.

Furthermore, Seymour introduced the idea of modern small nuclear reactors as a safe energy option worth exploring. He cited examples from countries like France and South Korea, which have successfully integrated nuclear power with sensible regulations, leading to affordable and timely energy solutions. He clarified that he does not advocate for government funding for nuclear initiatives, asserting, “It doesn’t need to be taxpayers’ money at stake. Government just needs to get out of the way and allow the best technology to win.”

Seymour’s proposals reflect a broader conversation about the future of energy in New Zealand, where balancing environmental considerations with energy needs remains a critical challenge. The discourse around coal and nuclear energy highlights the complexities involved in creating a sustainable energy policy that meets the demands of both industry and the public.