Shane Jones, the Resources Minister and a prominent figure in New Zealand’s political landscape, has made it clear that achieving 100% renewable energy in the country is not something that will happen during his lifetime. Speaking on The Front Page podcast, Jones, who is 65, said, “I’m 65. It won’t happen in my lifetime.” He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the country reaching net-zero emissions, emphasizing that the cost of transitioning to 100% renewable energy could have severe economic consequences.

Jones argued that while the goal of net-zero emissions is admirable, the economic impact of moving too quickly away from fossil fuels could be detrimental. “Kiwis begrudingly coming to accept that net zero is a nice objective, but we’re not going to get there if the cost is hollowing out our economy,” he said. This sentiment reflects a broader debate within New Zealand about balancing environmental goals with economic stability.

Despite his skepticism, Jones is not against renewable energy. He believes that New Zealand should continue to explore its own resources, particularly oil and gas, as part of the transition period away from fossil fuels. “There is a continuing role of oil and gas in New Zealand’s energy mix – particularly during the transition period away from fossil fuels,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of using domestic resources before relying on imports, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism.

The government recently repealed the 2018 oil and gas exploration ban, a move that has been met with praise from the industry but criticism from environmental groups. Jones defended the decision, stating that the $200 million investment fund for local gas exploration is designed to “buttress our security” and ensure energy affordability. He emphasized that the fund is meant to accelerate existing projects and potentially open up new gas fields in the future.

However, the move has also sparked controversy, with the Green Party calling it a “clear breach” of the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS). This agreement, which New Zealand signed with Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland, aims to prioritize trade in sustainable goods and services. Critics argue that the government’s focus on fossil fuels undermines these commitments.

Jones also addressed the criticism that he is “a puppet for private interests.” He dismissed this as a common issue in politics, saying, “I think there’s a new generation coming forward who’ve forgotten that milk comes from cows.” He stressed that his efforts in supporting community energy projects and climate adaptation should not be overlooked.

Despite the challenges, Jones remains optimistic about the future of New Zealand’s energy landscape. He highlighted his investments in geothermal expansion, which he believes has the potential to be a “game changer.” He also mentioned ongoing projects in remote areas like Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands, which he hopes will contribute to a more sustainable and affordable energy future.

As the country continues to grapple with the balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility, Jones’ stance reflects the complexities of the issue. Whether his vision for a more energy-secure and affordable New Zealand will come to fruition remains to be seen, but for now, he is determined to push forward with his plans.