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New Zealand's electricity sector can deliver massive reductions in our carbon emissions, and cheaper power for households, but rapid transformation must start now - according to a new report.
The report, by the Boston Consulting Group, says New Zealand can transition to 98 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and by 2050 rapid electrification of transport and heating can be achieved.
This would achieve 70% of the reduction in carbon emissions required by New Zealand's net zero carbon target.
At present only 28% of New Zealand's total energy consumption, including across transport and heat, is from renewable sources.
Report co-author Richard Hobbs joins Kathryn - he leads energy, climate change and sustainability for Boston Consulting Group in NZ.
He's also a former General Manager of Transpower, former General Manager for Spark Infrastructure and former Manager of Clean Energy markets for the Australian government.