NZ - Germany Hydrogen project funding available

MBIE is inviting proposals for joint green hydrogen research partnerships between New Zealand and Germany. With up to $2m in funding up for grabs, the successful projects need to demonstrate the ability to develop enduring science and innovation partnerships with world-class German counterparts. Projects must be in one of six green hydrogen topics, ranging from production through to logistics and transport. Read more...

Raconteur special feature: Future of Energy

Raconteur, producers of special-interest content for business leaders, have published a special edition on the Future of Energy, featuring Secretary General Dr Angela Wilkinson. The short 15-page edition covers a range of current topics from using AI to alleviate energy poverty to offshore wind in Europe, gas as a transition fuel, the lure of hydrogen and future uses of carbon dioxide. Read more...

Recongnising companies voluntary climate action

Motu have released a study exploring new ways to recognise voluntary climate action. Catherine Leining, Motu Research Policy Fellow, argues 'many organisations want to go the extra distance to support Aotearoa's low-emission transition. But past approaches to voluntary offsetting and climate-neutral claims won't continue to work.' The report identifies two new proposed tracks.  Read more...

Turning CO2 into a climate-neutral fuel

With over a billion motor vehicles worldwide, eFuels offers an option to manage and reduce emissions from existing fleets. Combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide, Efuels can provide a climate friendly alternative to conventional fossil-fuels. Although the fuel is not inherently green, its carbon footprint depends on electricity generation sources making it an option for wind or sun rich regions.  Read more...

First Gas plan for 100% hydrogen by 2050

Large scale production and use of hydrogen in New Zealand just got one step closer with First Gas releasing plans to decarbonise based on results on a hydrogen trial study. A hydrogen blend of up to 20% would reduce emissions without needing to change existing appliances. The plan considers technical and regulatory requirements and outlines steps to reach 100% hydrogen by 2050. Read more...

NZX-EEX emission unit auction launched

With the Minister of Climate Change Hon. James Shaw, NZX-EEX launched the inaugural NZU auction. Demand was strong from 40 bidders seeking the 4.75M NZUs on offer, with the auction clearing at $36. NZU auctions are held quarterly with the next auction scheduled for 23 June 2021. The auctions are single round, sealed bid, uniform price format and open to NZ ETS registry account holders. Read more...

Consumer Care Guidelines released - EA

The Electricity Authority, working closely with a range of stakeholders, has released guidelines encouraging electricity retailers to proactively enhance the standard of care to all domestic consumers. Although alignment will be voluntary, the EA expects retailers will align their processes with the guideline by the end of the year to provide expected beneficial outcomes for consumers.  Read more...

ComCom releases Aurora Energy decision 

The Commerce Commission has released its final decision in response to Aurora Energy's proposal to fix its electricity lines network in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown. There has been a high level of community interest in the decision with the Commission noting 'building a better understanding of the risks associated with over- and under-investment'  provides 'benefit to consumers in the long-term.' Read more...

Feedback wanted from off-road liquid fuel users

Does your company use petrol or diesel off road? EECA has commissioned MartinJenkins to research off-road fuel use in New Zealand to understand how users access fuel supplies, how fuel is used off-road and in what equipment or technologies. Fill out the survey for the chance to win one of 10 $50 prezzy cards. This is your last chance - survey closes April 6. Take the survey...