No Images? Click here Seeking views on draft strategyConsultation has opened on a draft strategy that will guide EECA’s work programme for the next five years. The draft replacement New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS) proposes actions that aim to make the most of our clean, green, renewable energy sources and make smarter use of energy. Its actions and targets focus on three priority areas: transport; the heat used in industrial and manufacturing processes; and innovative and efficient use of electricity. “These areas offer the greatest potential for emissions and efficiency savings, which can improve economic growth, energy security and affordability, and help New Zealand meet its climate change commitments,” said Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges when launching the consultation. Image: Chris Sisarich Andrew Caseley to be new CEThe role of EECA's Chief Executive is now to be taken up by Andrew Caseley. EECA announced in late October that its retiring CE Mike Underhill would be replaced by James Hay. However, James is now unable to take up the role due to personal circumstances. Andrew comes to EECA from MWH, a global engineering and environmental consultancy. He will join EECA on 24 January 2017. Solar tool does the numbersA new calculator developed by New Zealand experts gives people a useful estimate about whether solar will be cost-effective for their household. The University of Canterbury’s EPECentre developed the calculator in response to increasing public interest in solar electricity systems. EECA hosts it on its ENERGYWISE website. The tool's strength is that it gives people a personalised result for their property. Look for opportunity in climate changeOn retiring from EECA last month, Mike Underhill acknowledged he hadn't managed to sort out the international issue of climate change. However, the track record of a small government agency like EECA shows real change can happen, he wrote in the New Zealand Herald. Close alignment of government agencies dealing with energy, environment, the economy and public health would help maximise impact. "Countries around the world are now competing to be the next renewable energy rock star - capitalising on our abundant resources will earn us a spot centre stage." Ad sparks up EV interestA TV ad currently screening aims to excite and engage New Zealanders about electric vehicles (EVs). Its tilt-shift style makes the vehicles look like toys but the 8 different EVs in the ad are real - and so are the potential benefits of switching from fossil fueled cars, says Liz Yeaman, EECA's GM Transport. "Using our locally produced, highly renewable electricity to power our fleet rather than imported oil could reduce carbon emissions from road transport by up to 80%," she says. More than 40 new types of EV are expected in New Zealand in the next five years. See you at DownstreamThe 2017 Downstream conference will focus on opportunities and challenges in our energy sector. Roundtable discussions offer a new format that will stimulate debate on hot topics including ways to optimise data for energy efficiency. EECA will take part in a panel discussing ways the sector could respond to our climate change challenge, and retired CE Mike Underhill will give his parting shots on the industry. The conference is in Auckland on 6-8 March. |