blog

Report: Optimisation model to estimate potential energy savings in the New Zealand economy.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:44:46 +1300

This report describes the OPENZ model of the New Zealand energy supply and demand system and may be of interest to NERI members. It is now publicly available and can be downloaded at: OPENZ Model Report

Report: Less Energy, More Growth

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:38:05 +1300

The new report – Less Energy More Growth – offers a comprehensive insight into the Danish energy case describing the growth potential that comes from demanding more from less. This publication is from the Scandinavian think tank, Monday Morning. Articles include:

Less energy – more growth: Denmark is one of the most energy-efficient countries in the world. Through an ambitious strategy, Denmark has achieved steady economic growth without an increase in energy consumption. Benefits include job creation and a strong green sector.

Energy Savings – the cheap shortcut to a fossil-free society: Energy savings are crucial if we are to reduce our use of fossil fuels. The potential for energy savings is especially high in the public sector and buildings and represents an export market for energy efficiency technologies. Studies show that investments in energy savings are much more cost efficient than other energy investments.

Technology makes your operations “Lean”: Productivity is essential to compete in global markets. Energy crises, skyrocketing taxes and record-high wages have turned Danes into productivity experts. In southern Denmark, these competencies become solutions that make operations lean, speed up processes and save companies money.

Please find the full report here: https://www.mm.dk/less-energy-more-growth

UKERC Summer School

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:40:29 +1300

The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) is holding its eighth annual Energy Summer School from 17th June - 22nd June 2011 at the University of Warwick in the English Midlands. There will be 100 places available for UK and international students.

The School has been specifically designed to give second year PhD students an understanding of energy systems as a whole and of pathways to low-carbon and resilient energy systems. This directly relates to international climate change issues and policies as students will become engaged in a mock United Nations style negotiations throughout the week in order to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions through the use of energy systems.

We welcome applications from those engaged in energy-related research including technical, physical, social, economic, environmental and business aspects of energy and energy systems. We would like to invite you to nominate students to attend. There is no charge for registered research students to attend the School; UKERC will provide accommodation and all meals and materials for activities. The School is conducted in English, and as it is highly interactive a good standard of comprehension and spoken English is essential.

Agenda

During the week-long course, which runs in parallel to UKERC's Annual Assembly, students will:

- Examine the evolving challenges, and the feasibility of, the transition to a low-carbon, resilient and affordable energy system out till 2030;

- Understand the global commercial, political, innovation and technological challenges in the transition to a low-carbon system;

- Be involved in high level debate on energy technologies and research priorities in a number of key research areas, from demand reduction to future sources of energy;

- Be presented with a number of contrasting international perspectives on energy;

- Have the opportunity to network with key academic, and energy research contacts;

- Research, develop, negotiate and agree a collective vision for a low-carbon energy system and present the work to the UK Energy Research Centre

- Develop and practice professional skills in communication and engagement.

The course is professionally facilitated to provide continual support for participants, and includes a number of networking opportunities as well as social events.

Successful applicants will be notified by e-mail from 22nd March 2012 and both nominator and nominee will at that time be asked to formally accept the place. Should the delegate subsequently withdraw and a suitable replacement not be found, the nominator will be required to pay for the cost of the unused place. The course is normally over-subscribed, and UKERC will select delegates by giving preference to those in the second year of a PhD, to provide an appropriate mix of specialist disciplines, and a balance of UK and non-UK based students.

Nominations

Nominations are now open until 1700hrs (5pm) GMT Thursday, 8th March 2011. For convenience we ask that the student completes the nomination form, but they will need to include your details as confirmation of endorsement.

The nomination form can be accessed from our website or by clicking on the link below.

http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1037477

Information

If you have further questions, please call us on +44 (0)207 594 1574 or email Ilaria Longo (Ilaria.longo@ukerc.ac.uk ) Further information is available from the UK Energy Research Centre website at www.ukerc.ac.uk

Kind regards,

UK Energy Research Centre

New Zealand Downstream Conference

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:05:57 +1300

The energy sector's annual strategic forum will run from 6 to 7 March 2012 at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland. For full details please see: www.nzdownstream.co.nz/

MSI Energy and Minerals RfP released

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:45:37 +1300

The Ministry of Science and Innovation has released the new Request for Proposals for the Energy and Minerals Fund.

The objective of the Energy and Minerals Fund is to increase the contribution of energy and minerals to New Zealand's economic growth, enhance energy security and assist New Zealand to meet future energy and mineral needs in efficient, affordable and environmentally responsible ways.

For full details please go to: www.msi.govt.nz/get-funded/research-organisations/types-of-funding/energy-and-minerals/

Electric Vehicles

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:57:01 +1200

Are you interested in electric vehicles in New Zealand? If so, please contact Rob McEwen at the New Zealand Clean Energy Centre (021 728 875).

The NZCEC is currently working with the Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles in Japan (www.apev.jp) to establish a sister association here in New Zealand, for which NZCEC will be the Secretariat. If you are interested in learning more or engaging with this venture please contact Rob McEwen.

Sustainable policies as part of future planning - Jim Bolger

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:21:30 +1200

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger will discuss why a sustainable approach is needed in all areas, from energy policies to food production and the wise use of water.

Sponsored by Engenerate and IPENZ Wellington Branch

5.30–8.00pm Wednesday 10 August
Level 28
Majestic Centre
100 Willis Street
Wellington

Coal, Kyoto and inconvenient truths

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:01:05 +1200

Coal is abundant, accessible, and cheap. Demand increased when it replaced charcoal for iron-making, and again when the steam engine became a commercial success. Coal fuelled the industrial revolution. Three hundred years later, coal still underpins 21st century life in the developed world. Coal use is responsible for about a quarter of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. And that’s the problem.

Te Papa Science Express - Mike Isaac, GNS Science.

Thursday 4 August, Level 4 Espresso 6.30pm–8pm.

Read more.

Climate Change and Business Conference

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:19:47 +1200

7th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference.

August 1st and 2nd, Wellinton Convention Centre.

The conference will be a timely opportunity to explore what the recently announced Australian Clean Energy Package and the review of New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme means for business.

See the conference website for more information.

Superconductivity and energy systems

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 07:14:54 +1200

Superconductivity and energy systems - building capability on New Zealand's expertise.

Lunchtime seminar with Dr Rod Badcock, Industrial Research Ltd.

Wednesday 27 July, Wellington.

See the Energy Federation of New Zealand website for more information.

Energy research groups - is yours listed?

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:22:34 +1200

NERI’s research capability is made up of a energy researchers from many different disciplines.

Is your group listed on our page?

If not, and you would like to be included, please contact us.

Winter Lights report and presentations

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:49:28 +1200

The Winter Lights Forum was a fascinating day - not least because of the disruption caused by the Chilean ash cloud to the travel plans of many of the delegates.

“The disruption was an interesting example of how nature can intervene in our lives, says Dr Janet Stephenson, director of the Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CSAFE) at the University of Otago.

“But I was very impressed to see how people stepped up and pulled together to arrange video conferencing at short notice, and at how well it worked.

View presentations from the forum.

Discussions focussed on the role of fossil fuels in New Zealand’s energy future. Presentations ranged from a talk about the potential contribution of lignite (a brown coal), to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment speaking to her recent report questioning the mining of lignite.

Other presentations focussed on the role of renewable energy, including social attitudes to new energy developments A novel event was a provocative series of short Pecha Kucha style talks, where people ‘looked back’ from 2050, and described how we had arrived from 2011. There was a focus on energy and climate change, with some gloomy about the inability of humans to take appropriate action, and others optimistic.

“The discussions were a real feature of the day, especially those in the afternoon where we were in smaller groups talking about issues such as lignite mining, smart grids and new transport systems.

Dr Stephenson believes that the transition to a low-carbon energy future offers significant opportunities for many businesses in New Zealand, as well as significant environmental and health benefits.

“It was also valuable to discuss the role of NERI going forward and themes such as encouraging debate and sharing best practice and knowledge around the issues came through strongly.

“The Cafe Scientifique event chaired by Prof Bob Lloyd from Otago University was also very successful. It was good to see a large number of young people actively involved in the discussion.”

Carbon – the science and the sense

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:27:49 +1200

This one-day forum is aimed at clarifying some issues regarding carbon, carbon cycling, stocks and flows, and carbon equivalence (for example in greenhouse gas, soil organic matter or trees) that have led to confusion and lack of buy-in by the public and primary industries to the intentions of an emission trading scheme.

The goals of the day are:

to build better public understanding of the carbon cycle (and carbon equivalence)

to identify how New Zealand can advocate a strategy to manage carbon

to assist in decision-making around the effective management of carbon

to encourage New Zealand industry and the public to ensure that resources are used more efficiently.

This is a Primary Resources Forum supported by the Royal Society of New Zealand, Biological and Life Sciences Advisory Panel, The New Zealand Agricultural Green House Gas Centre, and Massey Agriculture.

The venue is AgHort Lecture Block, Riddet Road, Turitea Campus, Massey University.

For further information see www.royalsociety.org.nz/events/2011-year-of-chemistry/carbon-the-science-and-the-sense/ or contact Jacqueline Rowarth.

For registration, please contact Sandra Dunkinson.

Winter Lights White Paper

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:13:20 +1200

There is a growing urgency for a major transformation of global energy systems, both to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to achieve greater energy security in the face of resource depletions.

Because of the fundamental role of fossil fuels in everyday life, most nations are largely locked into dependence. Some incremental shifts are occurring with new forms of energy and new technologies, but increasingly it is clear that a rapid transformation of entire energy systems is required, including both physical and societal infrastructures.

For New Zealand the transition to a low-carbon energy future offers significant opportunities for many businesses, as well as significant environmental and health benefits. Equally it will present difficult challenges to businesses strongly dependent on existing energy systems. The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of carbon capture and storage (CCS), a premise upon which proposals to further develop New Zealand’s fossil fuel resources is argued, is as yet unproven...

Download the full white paper

View the Winter Lights Symposium Event

Winter Lights 2011 - A NERI Thought Leadership Forum

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:45:32 +1200

Winter Lights 2011 will consider New Zealand’s longer-term energy future with an emphasis on the role of fossil fuels in transitioning the country to a more sustainable, low carbon economy. This is the first in a series of Thought Leadership Forums being planned and run by the National Energy Research Institute (NERI).

The Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin.
Thursday 16th June 2011, 8:30am - 7:00pm.

We will hear from New Zealanders leading the broader energy sector and discuss both the opportunities and the trade-offs involved in moving to an energy future with less dependence on traditional fuels.

New Zealand still depends on fossil fuels for the majority of its total energy use. Although a large proportion of our electrical generation now comes from renewable sources, demand for energy continues to rise steadily and is putting increasing pressure on our future capacity.

The challenge of meeting growing energy demands while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and being wise stewards of our environment is an immediate one, with long-term implications.

We will consider the options, the implications for the energy sector, interdependencies with other sectors and the trade-offs.

Focus

The Forum will address the role of fossil fuels in aiding our move to a future based on clean energy and renewable resources. We will consider ways of ensuring that our continued use of fossil fuels contributes effectively to the transition to our new energy future.

Programme                              VIEW FULL PROGRAMME

The one-day programme will feature a mixture of presentations, large and small-group discussions, and facilitated dialogue around the following themes:

What future for coal in NZ?

Smart grids and future energy distribution

Mobility and transport – a future view

Energy consumption in our homes, businesses and workplaces – a future view.

Four keynote addresses will start the day and provide an overview of each theme. In the afternoon, other speakers will have seven minutes each to present a view of our energy future as they look back from the year 2050.

Later dialogue sessions will enable all participants to engage with the speakers and each other, to identify future pathways for New Zealand.

In partnership with Otago Museum, the forum will close with a ‘Cafe Scientifique’ event. Hosted by Dr Bob Frame, this free public event will discuss NZ’s energy future, continue the energised discussion from the day and provide an opportunity for further networking over drinks and canapés.

Invitation

This Forum is suitable for anyone involved or interested in the energy or a related sector. It will be of particular interest to those working in industry, government or research.

NERI is encouraging broad participation in the event, as we believe that by getting everyone under the same roof and facilitating dialogue, a big picture view of our energy future will emerge.

We look forward to welcoming you to an exciting and engaging day of presentations and discussion and being part of this stepping-stone towards our energy future.

Early Bird Registrations close Friday the 20th of May.

Buy your ticket now

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

VIEW ALL SPONSORS

Meridian First Light house

Wed, 25 May 2011 07:09:33 +1200

The public had a chance to view the Meridian First Light house for themselves when it was on display at Frank Kitts Park in Wellington recently. The team of students from Victoria University ran public tours to showcase the solar technology used.

The architecture students have designed and built a solar powered house to take part in the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in Washington DC this October. The team is the first ever from the Southern Hemisphere to be selected for this prestigious international design competition.

Architecture student Nick Officer says the Victoria team is delighted to have energy experts from Meridian sponsoring the project. “Everyone here is very excited to be working with Meridian because the company is just as committed to investing in sustainable, renewable energy and buildings as we are.”

More information is available on the Meridian First Light house website.

Advanced Metering and Control System Forum

Tue, 17 May 2011 09:35:10 +1200

Hosted by EMANZ (The Energy Management Association of New Zealand), Christchurch 27 June 2011.
This one day forum will bring together suppliers, potential customers, users and interested parties to raise awareness of current solutions available to commercial and industrial energy users to better manage their energy. There has been a step change in this area over the last few years and this is an opportunity to raise your awareness and understanding.

Presenters will include those who have successfully deployed advanced metering and other energy management control systems and been rewarded with savings, as well as a greater understanding of their organisation's energy use.

The forum will be held at the Sudima Hotel, Christchurch Airport, 550 Memorial Ave. Registration is open from 8.30 am and the speaking programme begins at 9 am.

For more information, to register or to view the programme please visit the EMANZ website, or contact Jenny Walton, ph 04 385 2838.

Energy Futures in New Zealand

Wed, 11 May 2011 13:47:43 +1200

Morgan Williams spoke about Energy Futures in New Zealand at Te Papa’s Science Express last month. His focus was on the electricity sector and particularly the importance of it being fully renewable. He stressed the complexity of issues and gave examples of local and overseas initiatives.

In response to a question, Morgan commented, “restructuring electricity generation and supply, so as to result in five gentailers (companies that both generate and retail electricity) has not reduced electricity prices in real terms, as promised by the politicians. We have a very complex system for a very small nation, as our overall electricity security and sustainabilty has now proved. As communities, we have to really start to challenge the value of this model,” he said.

“There is a great complacency here in New Zealand because we are the last stop on the planet. We have weathered a lot of storms in the last 10 years because of it, so we do not see the size of the problem in front of us. We probably have the easiest road to 100% renewable electricity in any country in the OECD. We now sit on 70% and we could do it by 2030 or even sooner - it is only a matter of political will and national vision. But as a nation we do not do strategic stuff very well, so change has to be driven from a community level.

Morgan’s renewable electricity interests are currently actioned through his role as Chair of Our Wind Ltd a new company aimed at helping communities establish small clusters of wind turbines. “Blueskin Bay are an active group in Otago who have run energy efficiency and insulation projects for their homes and now want to set up a cluster of wind turbines. These initiatives have changed politics overseas, and they will eventually do the same here.”

Morgan spent 10 years as New Zealand’s Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment from 1997-2007. His interest in the political, social and economic factors that influence our environmental management spans more than 30 years.

Open Day - New Zealand Clean Energy Centre

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:18:42 +1200

Friday May 13, 10 am – 4 pm.

The open day will celebrate the opening of the new facility, on the corner of State Highway 1 and State Highway 5 (Napier Highway) in Taupo.

The building will be officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am, followed by tours of the centre every 30 minutes until 4pm.

In the evening, Don McGlashan will entertain guests in an inaugural concert. The cost is $50 - bookings can be made through 41 Above.

For more information, see the NZ Clean Energy Centre website.

Human-Made Climate Change: A Scientific, Moral and Legal Issue

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:30:00 +1200

Public lectures by Dr James Hansen in Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin.

Palmerston North: Fri 13 May, 1:45pm–3:00pm

Where: Japan Lecture Theatre, Massey University, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North. See talk details.

Wellington: Monday 16 May, 5.45pm - 7.30pm

Where: Rutherford House Lecture Theatre One, 23 Lambton Quay, Wellington.

Celia Wade-Brown, the Mayor of Wellington, will welcome and introduce Dr Hansen. See talk details.

Dunedin: Wednesday 18 May, 5.30 pm.

Where: St David Lecture Theatre, University of Otago.

For more information see Otago Energy Research Centre.

Jeanette Fitzsimons, prominent New Zealand environmentalist says, "Dr Hansen is one of the best-known climate scientists in the world. He offers a recipe for how to achieve a stable climate, that will be particularly relevant to New Zealand."

Dr James Hansen has been an active researcher in planetary atmospheres and climate science for nearly 40 years, with the last 30 years focused on climate research. He is the author of Storms of my Grandchildren (2010), and is probably best known for being one of the first scientists to bring global warming to the world’s attention, when he delivered Congressional testimony on climate change in the 1980s.

Time Magazine designated Dr. Hansen as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2006, a tribute to his continuing efforts to serve the public through his scientific work.