Some 30 million New Zealand dollars ($19.9 million) has been earmarked for a study of a dual-reservoir hydro project on Lake Onslow in the country's South Island, according to a government statement. Nearly 60% of New Zealand's electricity is generated by conventional hydro dams, which provide so-called clean energy but are more expensive and less productive in drought years. It noted it would be "very difficult" for such a project to get consent under New Zealand's resource management law. Energy Minister Megan Woods said the pumped-hydro project would be the largest infrastructure development in New Zealand since the 1980s. The smelter, which consumes 13% of New Zealand's electricity, is supplied by hydro power.

Source: Wall Street Journal July 26, 2020 23:26 UTC