US and New Zealand Launch Renewable Energy Partnership

My apologies,

What does the DOE have to do with NZ? Has NZ become a state of the union?

Who are these "Island Nations" to which this is targeted?

There's some serious money in here somewhere.

I'm originally from Hawai'i and now living in New Zealand. Whilst NZ and the US have had opposing stands on a number of issues in the past, I think this is a great opportunity for both sides to learn from and contribute to one another's objectives of boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy.

NZ has set a goal of attaining 90% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 (it's currently at approx. 70%), and the US has the world's largest amount of capital invested in clean technology development. Both nations have talented, impassioned entrepreneurs and corporations who are making scientific discoveries that increase efficiencies in renewables, and developing businesses that bring down the unit cost so that more people can utilise these technologies. Why not agree to work together? I think it's a fantastic move!

Having grown up and lived on islands for a majority of my life, I believe Mr. Karsner is absolutely correct in saying that islands are hit hardest by price volitility and are highly dependent upon imported fuels. To empower island nations to reduce their demand whilst simultaneously generating their own clean energy would be a win-win situation for all parties involved. And as Hawai'i Governor Linda Lingle stated at the EDIN partnership signing in Nassau: "Energy security and climate change are issues that transcend borders."

I'm interested to see what tangible deliverables will be developed through EDIN. How are NZ and the US going to motivate people to become more energy conscious in a way that is culturally acceptable and effective in its outcomes? Some island nations -- especially low-lying atolls such as Kiribas -- are already projected to be unihabitable within 50 years time, will there be measures put in place to guard against climate change (e.g. sea-level rise)? Will only proven technology be used, or is this also seen as a chance to field-test new technologies? Will private investment also be sought to underwrite the costs?

Which islands the union is targetting?

Art.
State of the Union? No way. We are living in paradise now and nuclear free. Why would we want to share our garden of "EDIN" with people .who think money can buy everything?
I have a hankering you might know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
Mike H.

New Zealand is a small laid-back country made up mainly of two Islands roughly of equal proportions, which through past decades it has led the field in many innovative energy technologies with a mere population of four millions:

Past New Zealand Governments were made up of Wanna-be political urchins and back slapping popinjays who made running around in circles seem like a religion:

However, there is a second force well hidden from view but with real power and clout who guides New Zealand through the brain dead mouths of its poloticians into actions well beyond their intellectual capacity:

This hidden force comes from people who jockey for position on the rich list who---unlike America still has a semblance of honesty and decency who really care for their country:

New Zealand is a small Island nation who stood up to the USA over its intention to place nuclear weapons on its shores: New Zealand is pretty well isolated in its geographical position in the pacific, who has had to fend for itself many times when left high and dry by its so called European and American allies:

New Zealand has also helped its small Island neighbours through many troubles and woes: This new initiative called "EDIN" maybe a bright new idea from the American perspective but for tiny New Zealand its just another day at the office with a little help from mighty American investors who no-doubt can see dollars floating in front of their eyes:

Anyway,I guess that any initiative which will aid the small pacific Islands into energy self autonomy has to be a good thing but its a long time coming, and possibly a long way off:

My hope is that the best choices are made for what the Islanders really need rather than what outside investors THINK they need for the best dollar turn-around:

Lets get on with it, and Good Luck

How can Puerto Rico hop on this band wagon? We need serious help....everything is run on fuel... How can I help get this going down here? It is a big job to transition and educate... and those that run the energy show now are not going to like the changes.... I am not in the profession of energy now but what can I do to help the transition? Any suggestions out there...