New Zealand has scored highly in an international survey of energy sustainability.

The World Energy Council’s Energy Sustainability Index ranks countries on availability, security, affordability and quality of energy, and amount of energy from low-carbon and renewable sources.

 The Index shows most countries assessed are far from achieving sustainable energy systems, with many struggling with energy security, affordability and environmental impacts.

 The top ten ranked countries are Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Denmark, Japan, France and Austria.

New Zealand, in 6th place, scores highly for renewable energy sources and for management of environmental impacts.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says New Zealand’s high ranking is testament to the development of sound energy policies by successive New Zealand Governments over many years.

“Affordable, secure, renewable energy sources are essential for our standard of living and for productive business which supports it.

“Good energy policy is not easy to achieve – getting the right infrastructure built, accessing energy reserves and having robust systems for things like emissions trading can be complex, as New Zealanders know.

“There is much room for improvement, however this ranking is a welcome acknowledgement of success in this important area,” Mr O’Reilly said.

BusinessNZ is a member of the World Energy Council.