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State-owned energy generator Genesis Energy is buying a 50 per cent stake in CRL Energy, a company researching low-emission coal technologies.
The involvement of Genesis, which runs the coal and gas-fired Huntly power station, meant CRL Energy could advance its coal research programmes to eventual commercial application, CRL chairman Alan Broome said.
Research and development projects included high efficiency coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen manufacture. Burning coal creates greenhouse gas emissions.
Genesis Energy bought the stake from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa). The other 50 per cent is owned by the Coal Association of New Zealand, which welcomed the move.
- NZPA