Study shows more renewable energy potential for Bay of Plenty
2 May 2007
A study out yesterday identifies 100MW of potential electricity generation from renewable resources in the Bay of Plenty region.
The study, commissioned by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), highlighted the amount of renewable energy that could be realised in the Bay of Plenty region.
The report identified opportunities across several technologies, including:
- An additional 100 MW of geothermal electricity generation (excluding the current extension at Kawerau), compared with existing capacity of approximately 14MW
- Significant potential for solar thermal hot water systems
- Approximately 20 million litres of ethanol per year for transport fuel from grain crops currently grown in the region
- Approximately 400 million litres per year of ethanol or 800 GWh/year of electrical energy from woody biomass derived from low-grade forestry.
- A large potential for more direct use of geothermal heat and small scale remote applications was also noted.
The assessment did not account for the effect environmental and cultural issues will have on this renewable energy potential. These are addressed at a local level through the Resource Management Act.
The resources are all available outside National Parks and use technologies that are already economic or are likely to become economic over the course of the next ten years.
“The regional renewable energy assessment programme helps Councils identify what renewable energy resources they have in their area, and how to integrate this information into their planning and strategy processes. Through these findings, local councils can then identify the most sustainable way to meet our energy needs” said Angus Davidson, EECA Chief Executive.
Bill Bayfield, Chief Executive of Environment Bay of Plenty echoes this point of view. “The study funded by EECA has allowed us to look at the potential for environmentally sustainable forms of energy generation to be developed in the Bay of Plenty,” he says. “New sources of renewable energy will provide an important opportunity to contribute to the region’s sustainable future.”
>> View the report [PDF 1.50 MB]