Energy in the UK and New Zealand

Energy in the UK and New Zealand

Sample listing of Developments, Institutions and Organisations

Compiled by Dr Steve Thompson

British High Commission, Wellington

 

 

 

 

In October 2007 Prime Minister Helen Clark and Energy Minister David Parker launched the New Zealand Energy Strategy, which sets out the direction of New Zealand’s energy system to 2050.

The Strategy sets out the government’s vision and action plan for a sustainable, low emissions energy system. Launched with its companion document, the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, the two strategies form the core of the energy sector’s response to climate change, which will contribute substantially to New Zealand’s sustainable future.

Some of the key initiatives within the energy strategy include:

·          target of 90% of generated electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, as announced with the emissions trading scheme, which will mean keeping electricity prices lower than from electricity using fossil fuels that will attract emissions prices

·          considering regulatory options through the Electricity Act to limit new fossil fuel base-load generation over the next ten years

·          preparing a national policy statement on renewable energy to provide guidance to local authorities

·          a target to halve domestic transport emissions per capita by 2040, which will be assisted by increasing the use of renewable energy from biofuels and electricity to power vehicles

·          a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, as outlined in the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy

·          ensuring New Zealand is well placed to take up opportunities provided by emerging low carbon technologies when they are available, cost effective and applicable to New Zealand.

 

 

Funding for marine energy generation trials

Generating energy from waves or tides around New Zealand came a step closer in October 2007, with the Government offering funding to set up generating devices. Generating energy from waves or tides around New Zealand comes a step closer today, with the Government offering funding to set up generating devices. Energy Minister David Parker has called for applications from interested parties for funding from the Marine Energy Deployment Fund, which will be making grants of up to $2m (£750k) a year for the next four years.

Overseas experience to date indicates that there is very little impact on marine life, but that is one of the areas that will be closely monitored in the New Zealand trials. Any projects seeking government support through the fund will have to obtain resource consents, and that process will provide an opportunity to consider any potential impacts on fishing, recreational activities or other community interests.

The Marine Energy Deployment Fund is contestable, which means individuals or organisations will have to apply for funding. Applications will be assessed by an expert panel, with funding offered to projects that best meet a number of criteria. Applicants will be expected to match any grants with commercial investment. Applications for the first funding round closed in February 2008 with grants made in May 2008. The first devices are expected to be deployed and operating by 2010. Full details of the Marine Energy Deployment Fund including the criteria and guidelines for applicants are available on the EECA website www.eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/marine.html

 

Feb 15, 2008: An international panel of renewable energy and business experts has been appointed to evaluate applications for funding to develop marine energy in New Zealand. The government will be making grants of up to $2m a year for the next four years, through the Marine Energy Deployment Fund. Applications for the first funding round close at the end of February. Energy Minister David Parker today announced the panel of five international experts:

·          Henry Jeffrey, University of Edinburgh (UK) - joint author of the UK Roadmap for marine renewable energy and expert member of the peer review panel for Norwegian Energy marine energy research proposals.

·          Burt Hamner, Puget Sound Tidal Power (USA) - Lead contractor for the largest tidal power feasibility study in the USA.

·          PB Power, program management, engineering and construction management services (NZ/UK) - this international consultancy will be represented on the panel by New Zealand-based engineer Roumen Shipokov who will draw on their team of technical experts.

·          Dr Ed Hudson, E-Dec Ltd (NZ) - Previous roles have included Director of Marlborough Electric Ltd, Deputy Chairman of the Commerce Commission and a Partner at KPMG.

·          Gerry Te Kapa Coates, Wise Analysis Ltd (NZ) - Chair of the New Zealand Wind Energy Assn, board member of the NZ Centre for Advanced Engineering and Representative (board member) on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

 

Marine energy technologies are under development in a number of countries but most technologies are not yet mature. The first offshore commercial ‘wave farm’, utilising a Scottish wave device called Pelamis, will be operating before the end of 2008. The first full-scale trial of a tidal energy device is being conducted in Northern Ireland. The UK Government forecasts that there will be over 100 mW of operational marine energy devices by 2009.

 

The UK, Ireland, Portugal and Denmark are currently investing significantly in marine energy with the UK being the current leader in technology developments. Canada, the United States and Australia all have active projects to develop marine energy technologies and particular sites.

 

Projects

New Zealand has to date invested very little in marine energy but its natural resource advantage could make marine energy a significant contributor to future energy supply. Possibly as much as 20% of New Zealand’s electricity could be generated from marine energy sources. New Zealand’s tides sweep anticlockwise around our coast roughly twice a day, but give only a small rise and fall (2 - 3 m). Consequently, tidal currents have lower velocities than in other countries and tidal currents are patchily distributed around New Zealand. Offshore islands, passages and seabed irregularities can provide a focussing mechanism and there are some areas of significant tidal current flow, for example, Cook Strait. There are currently fourteen active wave and tidal energy projects in New Zealand. All are in the early stages, all are relatively small. There are two publicly announced

tidal projects, and two wave projects, one developing a wave device and a second seeking to import an overseas technology.

 

 

New Zealand Energy Quarterly launched

The New Zealand Energy Quarterly, replaces Statistics New Zealand’s Energy Statistics Hot Off The Press, and provides quarterly energy statistics on the supply of major fuels, pricing information and greenhouse gas emissions. Information to the end of the December quarter of 2007 includes:

·          Crude oil production reaching a record high for New Zealand due to the Tui oil field coming on line, boosting oil exports by almost four times compared with the December 2006 quarter.

·          Annual gas production rising almost ten percent compared with 2006, largely due to Pohokura coming on line.

·          New Zealand’s installed wind capacity for electricity generation almost doubling in 2007.

·          A reduction in coal consumption for electricity generation due to the commissioning of Genesis Energy’s e3p efficient gas-fired generation facility. This reduction in coal use for electricity generation helped reduce greenhouse emissions from electricity generation.

·          While petrol and diesel prices increased five and 12 per cent respectively during the December 2007 quarter, New Zealand’s strong dollar, especially against the US dollar, continued to shelter motorists from the full impact of high international oil prices.

The New Zealand Energy Quarterly is free to download or subscribe from www.med.govt.nz/energy/nzeq/. The Ministry also provides up-to-date information via its energy webpages at www.med.govt.nz/energy/data/.

 

 

June 2008 - New Zealand Biofuel

NZBMA’s members are further concerned the Ministry of Economic Development is recommending relaxing proposed regulations for NZ biofuel quality standards, specifically to allow entry for the US product (frequently soy-based biodiesel). This raises the second issue for the NZBMA, concern about the quality and type of biofuels to be used by oil companies to satisfy the proposed biofuels sales obligations in New Zealand.  Mr Posnett says international research has shown that some biofuels do not improve greenhouse gas emissions levels. It is also known that the use of food crops for fuel has caused a dramatic price hike for grains and oils. The NZBMA wants the quality standards proposed and testing systems enshrined in biofuels legislation to ensure biofuels at the pump in New Zealand are credible for consumers and actually address climate change issues. “Surely New Zealand, with its growing international reputation for leading climate change and renewable energy solutions should not seek easier options that may tarnish its position,” Mr Posnett says. “This is more particularly so because NZ is blessed with raw material that converts to the best environment biofuel commercially available.”

 

 

Argent Energy New Zealand Ltd
Biodiesel New Zealand
Biodiesel Oils NZ Ltd
Ecodiesel Ltd
Biodiesel Australasia Ltd
Flo-Dry Engineering Ltd
Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Blueprint

BERR News Release (2008/131), 26 June 2008

 

A national renewable energy blueprint designed to slash carbon emissions dramatically, reduce the UK’s dependency on oil and gas and claim a valuable share of global green business opportunity was set out by Business Secretary John Hutton today. Mr Hutton outlined proposals to enable the UK to meet its proposed 15% renewable energy target by 2020, an increase of 1,000% on current levels. This is likely to include up to a third of electricity coming from renewables as well as significant increases in the use of renewable forms of heat and transport fuels.

 

Speaking alongside the Prime Minister at the Government’s Low Carbon Economy Summit on London’s South Bank, Mr Hutton said: “We are opening a new chapter in Britain’s history as a nation of enterprise and innovation, moving from the old, carbon intensive economy of the industrial revolution to the new low carbon technologies of the 21st century. “This vast expansion of renewable energy marks an important moment in this journey and, alongside our plans for new nuclear and clean coal, will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and reducing our dependency on oil and gas.

“We must make the most rapid progress possible to becoming a cleaner, greener economy and we will strive to make these changes in the most effective way possible, with the least cost to consumers.

“We will also maximise the economic benefit for the UK by creating a new generation of green collar jobs and making the most of our strengths as one of the world’s largest manufacturing economies; a world class centre of energy expertise and a leading location for inward investment.”

 

New NOP polling published by the Department for Business today shows broad public support for renewable energy:

·          84% of people favour the use of renewable energy.

·          64% would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development.

 

The Renewable Energy Strategy consultation published today builds on existing measures, and includes proposals for:

·          Extending and raising the level of the Renewables Obligation to encourage 30-35% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020;

·          Introducing a new financial incentive mechanism to encourage a very large increase in renewable heat, including in homes and other buildings;

·          Extending more effective financial support for heat and electricity microgeneration technologies in homes and other buildings, potentially through a feed-in tariff;

·          Helping the planning system to deliver, by agreeing a clear deployment strategy at regional level similar to the approach established for housing;

·          Ensuring appropriate incentives for new electricity grid infrastructure and removing access to the transmission grid as a barrier to renewable deployment;

·          Exploiting the full potential of energy from waste by considering further restrictions on landfilling biomass, as far as is practical;

·          Requiring all biofuels to meet strict sustainability criteria to limit adverse impacts on food prices, and other social and environmental concerns;

·          Encouraging the development of new renewable technologies by ensuring effective support particularly where the UK has the potential to be a market leader;

·          Maximising the benefits for UK business by providing a clear long-term policy framework, working with Regional Development Agencies to tackle blockages, considering support for specific technologies and addressing skills shortages.

·          We estimate that the expansion in renewable energy implied by the 15% target could:

·          achieve carbon savings of around 20 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020 (representing a cumulative CO2 saving of up to 900 MtCO2 between now and 2030). These would be additional to those we expect to be achieved from within the EU ETS as a result of the renewable energy target, which may be around 75MtCO2 in 2020 (1400 MtCO2 cumulative to 2030).

·          help security of energy supply and reduce gas imports by between 12-16% in 2020 - with increasing benefits as these become more scarce and expensive. At the same time, there will be a need for significant investment in non-renewable back-up generation given the largely intermittent nature of renewable generation.

·          provide significant business opportunities - there may be in the order of 160,000 jobs created in the UK and beyond, and we will want to maximise the extent that these go to UK business by providing a clear, long-term policy framework against which companies can invest, especially key opportunities arising out of research, innovation and development by using the UK’s specific geographical advantages such as wave and tidal power.

 

Responses to the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation are invited by 26 September 2008. A final strategy is expected to be in place by spring 2009.

 

The energy regulator Ofgem will have an increasingly important role to play in helping reach our renewables target.

·          Draft revised Guidance to Ofgem on social and environmental issues is also published for consultation today by the Department for Business. This includes Guidance on the development of energy networks, and connection to them, in the light of the renewables target.

·          The Department for Business and Ofgem have also today published a new package of measures to speed up grid connections for renewable energy projects. A backlog of around 10GW of wind energy at various stages of development is currently waiting in the queue for grid connection. The recommendations follow a year long Transmission Access Review and include steps to accelerate deployment in the short-term, and measures to incentivise the timely delivery of essential new infrastructure. Initial measures could lead to 1GW of wind being connected within two years.

 

Notes for editors

 

1.       Last year the UK, along with other EU member states, agreed to a binding target stating that 20% of the EU’s energy consumption must come from renewable sources by 2020. The European Commission has proposed the UK’s contribution to this should increase the share of renewables in our energy mix from 1.5% in 2006 (most recent data) to 15% in 2020.

 

2.       In 2000 we set ourselves a target for 10% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2010, and in 2003 announced our aspiration to double that level by 2020. Under these commitments we have tripled electricity from renewables in the last 5 years. Our key mechanism for delivering this growth has been the Renewables Obligation, which requires electricity suppliers to source a prescribed and increasing proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. The success of the RO means that the UK will this year become the leading country in the world for offshore wind - with generation representing almost 10% of our total renewable capacity. The 2007 Energy White Paper set out measures to improve the RO -

 

3.       Meeting the Government’s share of the EU 2020 target for renewable energy could require up to 30%-35% of electricity to be supplied from renewable sources. This implies connecting around 30-40 Giga Watts of renewable capacity (much of it offshore and onshore wind).

 

4.       The Government periodically issues guidance to Ofgem on its contribution to the attainment of relevant Government social or environmental policies. Ofgem is required to have regard to the guidance when discharging the statutory functions to which its principal objective and general duties apply. The last guidance issued in 2004. New draft guidance aims to take account of the development of relevant Government policies since that time, notably on emissions and renewable energy.

 

5.     The Transmission Access Review (TAR) was announced in the Government’s May 2007 Energy White Paper 2007. The TAR carried out jointly by Ofgem and the Department for Business, considered the present technical, commercial and regulatory framework for the delivery of new transmission infrastructure and the management of the existing grid capacity to ensure that they remain fit for purpose as the proportion of renewable generation on the system grows.

6.     The final report published on 26 June 2008 sets out a number of measures that taken together could remove or significantly reduce grid related barriers to renewable and other forms of generation. There are three key outcomes of the review. These relate to the enduring access arrangements, short term measures which can be implemented while the enduring arrangements are being developed and implemented, and longer term measures designed to help meet the 2020 targets.

7.     Further information on the Transmission Access Review including the final report can be found on the Department for Business and Ofgem websites at http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/policy/transm ission-access/page40567.html

8.     In 2006, the DTI commissioned a quantitative research survey to explore awareness and attitudes to renewable energy amongst the general public in Great Britain. It focused on awareness of and attitudes to renewable energy, influences on these opinions and perceptions of recent media coverage on renewable energy. A second survey was commissioned in March 2007 and published in September 2007. The third run of the survey was commissioned in March 2008 and is published today. The survey can be accessed at http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/planning/publ ic-perception/page18642.html

 

 

 

 

(http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/byC/NewZealand/byN/byName.shtml)

 

 

http://ledbulbs.co.nz/

Selling led bulbs, led torches, cree flashlights, marine leds, automotive leds, home leds and more.

·          Business type: wholesale supplier, importer

·          Product types: LED lighting, LED light bulbs.

·          Address: Christchurch 8062, Christchurch, Bromley New Zealand 8062

·          Telephone: 66 888 66 88

·          FAX: 66 888 66 88

·          Web Site: http://ledbulbs.co.nz

·          E-mail: Send Email to Laser Imports Limited

 

Ecosolar.org GmbH

We are dealing with big quantities of solar modules and solar equipment. International inquiries are welcome.

·          Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer

·          Product types: photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic systems.

·          Service types: consulting, project development services, research services, financial services

·          Address: Berliner Strasse 13, Fuerstenwalde, Germany 15517

·          Telephone: +49 3361 3655-67

·          FAX: +49 3361 3655-68

·          Web Site: http://www.ecosolar.org

·          E-mail: Send Email to Ecosolar.org GmbH

 

IDC Technologies

IDC Technologies is internationally acknowledged as the premier provider of practical, technical training for engineers and technicians. We specialise in the fields of industrial data communications, telecommunications, automation and control, and are continually adding to our portfolio of over 200 different workshops. Our instructors are highly respected in their fields of expertise and in the last fourteen years have trained over 120,000 engineers, scientists and technicians. Practical Engineering & Technology Training Workshops in the areas of: Instrumentation, Automation and Process Control, Data Communications and Networking, Electrical Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Project & Financial Management, Civil Engineering and Chemical…

·          Business type: training

·          Product types: engineering training and publishing.

·          Service types: technology training

·          Address: Po Box 76-142, Manukau City, Auckland New Zealand

·          Telephone: +64 9 263 4759

·          Web Site: http://www.idc-online.com

·          E-mail: Send Email to IDC Technologies

 

SUNZ Ltd

Wholesale supplier, retail sales, supply and installation of solar hot water systems to Domestic, Farming, Industrial, and Hospitality sectors.

·          Business type: wholesale supplier, retail sales

·          Product types: solar water heating systems stand-alone energy systems ,hybrid , for remote areas..

·          Address: P.O. Box 75-685, Manurewa, Auckland New Zealand

·          Telephone: +64 9 267 7931

·          FAX: +64 9 267 7971

·          Web Site: http://www.sunz.co.nz

·          E-mail: Send Email to SUNZ Ltd

 

Aguatech Solar

·          Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer

·          Product types: deep cycle batteries, photovoltaic cells, fuel cell systems, solar water heating systems, water filtering and purification systems, wind turbines (small), Biofuels & Books on how to make your fuels.

·          Address: Private Bag MBE M307, Mt Eden , Auckland , New Zealand

·          Telephone: +642 134 6119 or 0800 300 321

 

Alternative Energies Limited

·          Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier, service, contractor, construction, engineering

·          Product types: Solar powered water pumps, residential agricultural hot water systems, pv modules, recycled deep cycle batteries.

·          Address: P.O. Box 8047, Invercargill, Southland New Zealand

·          Telephone: 025-481836

·          FAX: 64032174807

 

Aquahort Ltd

·          Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter

·          Product types: heat exchangers, heat pumps, water heating systems, water cooling systems, water filtering and purification systems.

·          Address: 52 Maraetai Heights Rd, Maraetai Beach, Auckland, New Zealand 2018

·          Telephone: 64 9 5366201

·          FAX: 64 9 5366362

 

Autumn Solar NZ

·          Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, service

·          Product types: solar pool heating systems, solar water heaters, photovoltaic PV modules, water purification products.

·          Service types: system design, system installation, consulting

·          Address: PO Box 1752, Taupo, New Zealand

·          Telephone: (64)7-378-0221

·          FAX: (64)7-378-0228

 

Azorah Technologies

·          Address: PO Box 60436, Titirangi, Auckland New Zealand 1007

·          Telephone: +64 9 000 0000

·          FAX: +64 9 000 0000

 

Battery Direct NZ

·          Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer

·          Product types: batteries automotive starting, batteries deep cycle, batteries lead acid sealed AGM, Hybrid lead acid, batteries lead acid sealed, batteries lead acid sealed gelled, batteries lead acid flooded, Chargers, inverters, testers.

·          Service types: consulting, installation, education and training services, architectural design services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services, testing services

·          Address: 35 Pacific Parade, Hibiscus Coast, Auckland New Zealand 0930

·          Telephone: +64 9 428 0863

·          FAX: +64 9 424 8179

 

Battery Masta

·          Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier

·          Product types: batteries cordless power tool, batteries custom, batteries industrial, batteries emergency backup, batteries deep cycle, batteries nickel cadmium.

·          Address: 45A Carlyle St, Christchurch, New Zealand

·          Telephone: 0064-3 3771771

·          FAX: 0064-3 3771228

 

Broady’s NZ Ltd

·          Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer

·          Product types: solar water heating systems, wood burning stoves and furnaces, alkaline batteries.

·          Address: