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A new national centre based in Taupo to help businesses produce renewable energy has secured $8 million funding.
Speaking at the Waikato Energy Forum in Hamilton today, Energy Minister David Parker said the New Zealand Clean Energy Centre would be based in Taupo.
The centre aimed to focus on innovation, business development and incubation of energy-related businesses. It would provide technical assistance to increase the uptake of renewable energy opportunities in the region and nationally.
The Government had committed $2 million to the centre through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise's Major Regional Initiative Fund.
Industry and local government were putting in $6 million."
Mr Parker said New Zealand's future was dependent on energy security.
"We must find new and innovative ways to use our natural energy resources to power industry and transport without further threat to our pristine environment," he said.
The initiative was a joint project between the Lake Taupo Development Company, Energy for Industry, Fitzroy Engineering, the local council, the local iwi, Tuwharetoa and other industry groups.
A spokesman for the Clean Energy Centre, Barry Delany, said the centre would use the region's natural resources and existing expertise in clean energy technology to begin with.
"There are significant geothermal resources in the Taupo region. There is also good geothermal and biomass capability that includes energy companies, energy users, science and research capability, and technological consultancies," Mr Delany said.
"Aquaculture, floriculture, greenhouses, agricultural drying, bathing, space heating, and tourism businesses are already using geothermal and bio-energy sources. However, there is significant opportunity for more to do so."
- NZPA
