EECA's latest news No Images? Click here Energy Efficiency First: the Electricity StoryEECA's newly released modelling shows widespread uptake of energy efficient electrical technologies like LEDs and heat pumps could make a significant impact on decarbonising the electricity system and free up capacity for electrification of transport and process heat. The ‘Energy Efficiency First: The Electricity Story’ modelling supports work led by the Interim Climate Change Commission (ICCC) on the government’s ambition towards 100% renewable electricity by 2035*. The study shows the savings from system wide uptake of modern technologies like LEDs, heat pumps, energy efficient water heating and electric motors could provide the system with the equivalent of 4,000 GWh of extra capacity, before any new renewable generation would be required. This would require less capital investment and reduce national electricity costs, including costs for consumers. * in a normal hydrological year. EECA’s Chief Executive Andrew Caseley says the usual mind set is to build more renewable generation, but investment in energy efficient technology is often overlooked.
Mr Caseley says while there are costs to large-scale introduction of energy efficient technology, it is still cheaper than building new geothermal, wind or other renewable generation, and consumers will spend less on electricity as a result of the investment.
See EECA's Energy Efficiency First: The Electricity story here. International Technology ScanEECA's new International Technology Scan is an inventory of a wide range of internationally available technologies that could be applied in New Zealand industry for energy efficiency and/or reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the process heat sector. It identifies gaps between New Zealand and international practices in process heat and inform the sector and the Process Heat in New Zealand (PHiNZ) initiative, run by EECA and the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The report includes: • 21 x case studies on innovative technologies • 21 x case studies on high temperature heat pumps • 6 x cases studies on biogas applications in natural products processing sectors Process heat offers one of New Zealand’s largest opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. You can find the International Tech Scan here. Electrical heating technologiesEECA's new technical information series presents ten electric heating technology options to replace, supplement or optimise process heat currently being supplied by fossil fuels. They detail the:
EECA Technology Demonstration updateOver the last year EECA has approved technology demonstration funding for four wood energy projects including:
You can find the Technology Demonstration Fund here. Energy Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods with the first recipient of a heat pump funded under the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, Ali’itasi from Christchurch. Warmer Kiwi Homes - grants for efficient heatersGrants for energy efficient heaters are available now available to make Kiwi homes warmer and drier. The grants are aimed at lower-income homeowners and cover two-thirds of the cost of efficient wood burners and heat pumps, up to a maximum grant of $2,500. In 2018 the Government allocated funding of $142.5 million over four years for insulation and heating. EECA’s Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme Manager Eddie Thompson says the first year of the programme focussed on ceiling and underfloor insulation as the top priority and efficient heaters are now available through the programme. To be eligible for insulation and heater grants, homeowners must have a Community Services Card or live in a lower-income area. Homeowners can check their elgibility and connect with a Warmer Kiwi Homes service provider by using a quick, easy tool at www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz or by free calling 0800 749 782. EV Champion Joe CamusoLong-time EV advocate Joe Camuso from Northland was acknowledged for his extraordinary efforts to promote EVs at EVworld in Auckland in early August. Joe is pictured below with EECA Group Manager, Market Engagement, Eddie Christian, accepting his 2019 EVworld NZ Champion of the Year. EECA joins Climate Leaders CoalitionIn June this year, we joined the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC). In 2019/20 we will publish an updated carbon reduction target and Carbon Reduction Plan. We will also continue to influence our supply chain and our energy management partners to reduce energy-related emissions. Find out more about the CLC here. |