Smart and innovative technology for businesses

The Technology Demonstration Fund offers co-funding to support energy and carbon savings through the early adoption of proven technology or an innovative process improvement opportunity not yet widely adopted in New Zealand.

The Fund is designed to reduce the risk for early adopters of innovative technologies and projects must be replicable to enable a greater impact across New Zealand.

About the Technology Demonstration Fund

This programme encourages a diverse range of innovative technologies and is open to New Zealand registered businesses looking to:

  • Become early adopters of new low emissions technologies developed in New Zealand which have been proven but not yet fully commercialised, or
  • Target electrification of off-road diesel using machinery, or
  • Replace fossil fuelled steam generation through new technologies such as ultra-high temperature heat pumps and electromagnetic drying systems, or
  • Install energy efficient and/or renewable energy technologies, or
  • Implement an innovative energy efficiency or renewable energy process improvement opportunity in New Zealand.

Apply for co-funding

Co-funding is available for up to 50% of the costs of an eligible project – generally limited to $250,000. Projects that result in decarbonisation of industrial process heat can apply for funding of up to $500,000.

EECA may also offer dedicated funding rounds for specified technologies of interest with revised funding amounts.

We are looking for projects that:

  • Reduce energy intensity or greenhouse gas emissions
  • Are applicable to multiple businesses in a sector
  • Are financially viable, with a reasonable payback period
  • Meet minimum cost-effectiveness requirements for energy benefits and carbon emission reductions 
  • For technology-related projects, the technology must be proven but not necessarily fully commercialised

Projects won’t be considered if they have already started or will happen anyway, or if they involve:

  • Small-scale heat pumps (<10 kW)
  • Residential products
  • Standard commercial lighting, including LEDs and office products
  • Solar hot water and photovoltaic panels
  • Electric light passenger vehicles (specialist electric vehicles may be considered)
  • Wind, hydro, geothermal and marine electricity generation

How to apply

Before applying, businesses need to develop a demonstration project plan which includes specific measurement and verification activities to confirm the project outcomes.

Businesses must also commit to having their project independently monitored, and to promoting the project and outcomes.

Priority is given to technologies that could be used by multiple businesses and across industry sectors.

To apply, complete the application form below and email to business@eeca.govt.nz.

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