Impact of crisis on SMEs

Results of OECD survey show 99% of SMEs indicated that their business operations were affected by the energy crisis, and 41% noted that their business operations were strongly affected. On average, SME owners witnessed a 159% increase in energy costs – with some indicating increases that exceeded 600%. The biggest challenges SME respondents highlighted were inflation, higher input costs, and high energy wholesale prices. Read more…

Global Energy Quest

Applications are now open for the Global Energy Quest - brought to you by Energy Academy and proudly supported by BEC, EECA and Ara Ake. The theme for 2023 is Clean Energy Futures. For a couple of hours per week over nine weeks, participants from around the globe will work in teams to hone their collaboration and design thinking skills, all while building the global network. Energy Academy's goal is to provide a fun and entertaining experience for people at all levels of their journey in energy. The Quest will run online from March-May 2023. Learn more or apply. Read more...

NZ Battery Project Cabinet decision-point delayed

The findings of the NZ Battery Project's Phase 1 feasibility studies, expected to be considered by Cabinet Ministers this month, will now be considered early in the new year, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Energy Projects and Programmes Manager Dr David Darby says. Read more...

Building prosperity through the energy transition

This report from PwC focuses on two areas seen as critical to enabling a successful energy transition - rethinking capital allocation and overseas investment to ensure access to both the local and offshore capital required for this transition, and creating a future fit workforce to deliver the required infrastructure and technology for our future energy system. Read more...

Study finds hydrogen storage best to support electricity system

An independent study by electricity expert Energy Link and commissioned by Firstgas Group has found that large-scale storage would achieve the lowest wholesale electricity prices and the least price volatility. It also offered greater supply security with less than half the amount of expected emergency events and outages compared with the alternatives. Read more...

Energy 101 - Long-term trends in energy?

An economic rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered price spikes for multiple commodities. The conflict in Ukraine has led to even further increasing energy prices and security-of-supply concerns. However, the transition to a lower-carbon energy system continues and accelerates, and the coming decades will likely see a rapidly changing energy landscape. McKinsey’s Global Energy Perspective 2022 provides insights into the longer-term trends that will continue to be essential in shaping future energy systems. Read more…

Welcome to Stantec New Zealand

BEC welcomes our newest member Stantec New Zealand. Stantec are a global, full-service consulting, engineering and construction company. Stantec innovate together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Read more…

OMV introduces new corporate structure to drive sustainable growth and innovation

OMV is restructuring its corporate structure to help deliver its 2030 strategy, which aims for long-term decarbonisation of its operations, circular economy solutions, and low-carbon energy, including geothermal and carbon capture and storage. Read more... 

Meridian's Southern Green Hydrogen Project selects Woodside Energy as preferred partner

Meridian, with the support of Ngāi Tahu, have selected Woodside Energy (Woodside) as the preferred partner to move forward to the development stage of the proposed Southern Green Hydrogen (SGH) project in New Zealand. A final investment decision will follow the development stage. Read more...

High rainfall boosts renewable generation

A wet winter was good news for Genesis Energy's hydro generation, with full lakes providing enough electricity to power an extra 10,000 homes. High hydro generation also meant Genesis could turn down its thermal generation at Huntly Power Station to record low levels, saving around 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in November alone. Interim Chief Executive Tracey Hickman says the results contributed to New Zealand's electricity generation from renewable sources reaching 99% for the first time last month. Read more… 

Electricity price increases/decreases by region/industry/lines company and generator

Transpower has published the new transmission charges that will apply for the year from 1 April 2023. The new Transmission Pricing Method (TPM) will lead to increased and declining costs for the line companies, large energy users and generators depending on their region. For an overview. Read more...

Z puts foot down on EV charging network

Z Energy (Z) is opening five new EV chargers before Christmas - and is committed to installing EV chargers across more that 40 percent of its network by 2025. By the end of 2023 they plan to have EV charging available at one in five of their Z sites. Within three years, they plan that this will increase to see EV chargers show up at two in five Z sites.  Read more… 

100 more free locking, charging 'Locky Docks' to roll out nationwide

Mercury is supporting Big Street Bikers to supercharge its network of Locky Docks - free secure parking and charging stations for bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters. A hundred more Locky Docks will be rolled out across Aotearoa. Read more...