ENERGY

AoFrio named winner in BIER’s global ‘The Cool Challenge’

Paving the way for a more sustainable commercial refrigeration industry AoFrio, a global technology company headquartered in New Zealand, has been named the winner of the ‘Incremental Change in Energy efficiency’ category at The Cool Challenge, an initiative led by the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER). This achievement marks an important milestone for AoFrio, a global leader in creating and manufacturing cutting-edge and sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and high efficiency motors for commercial refrigeration. BIER is a coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Its new initiative, The Cool Challenge, invited innovators to revolutionise commercial refrigeration related to chilled, canned, or bottled beverages at their point of sale, and shape a sustainable future for the industry. AoFrio entered the ‘Incremental Change in Energy efficiency’ category, which required applicants to present solutions which optimise energy efficiency by leveraging existing compressor technology and pushing boundaries. Entries were judged by global sustainability leads amongst the likes of Heineken, AB InBev, and Coca-Cola. AoFrio received the win for its solution ‘AoFrio Inside’, which showcased the energy efficiency savings its customers can achieve if they implement the breadth of its hardware and SaaS offering in their coolers. AoFrio can reduce its customers’ energy-use by an average of 54% when compared to a basic cooler of the same capacity*. AoFrio Inside is a complete refrigeration solution that combines the best of hardware, software, and cloud-based services – it includes the following: AoFrio ECR 2 motor – a high-efficiency motor that uses significantly less power than shaded pole motors, saving energy and money. AoFrio SCS controller – a smart IoT controller that connects your cooler to the AoFrio ecosystem and enables you to monitor and control the cooler’s temperature, locations, sales, power consumption, and operational effectiveness. […]

Carbon emissions on the way down

Robert McLachlan, Professor in Applied Mathematics, Massey University. Ian Mason, Adjunct Senior Fellow in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering, University of Canterbury. It may have been largely overlooked in the election debates, but New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions are finally on the way down. Annual emissions of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels are the lowest since 1999 and the 12-month renewable share of electricity is back above 90% for the first time since 1981. The Ministry for the Environment has advised New Zealand is on track to meet the first (2022-2025) carbon budget. All this can be attributed to a range of factors, including fossil gas running low, full hydro lakes, high petrol prices and working from home. But climate policies such as the Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), the clean car discount and the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) have made a significant contribution to the turnaround. Current decarbonisation policies have and will continue to deliver real emissions cuts, provided they remain in place. It is therefore disconcerting that the National Party plans to take $2.3 billion from the CERF (almost two-thirds of the fund’s mid-2022 balance) to pay for tax cuts. The argument that individual households will use tax cuts to make their own decarbonisation decisions is unsupported by evidence and lacks credibility. The Labour Party has also dipped into this fund, taking $236 million to pay for rebates for household installations of solar panels and batteries, and community energy schemes. These may produce some as yet unquantified emissions cuts. Government funding is working Allocations from the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) fund to NZ Steel and Fonterra show direct and measurable avoidance of emissions. The installation of an electric furnace at NZ Steel to utilise scrap will save 1% (800,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions, or tCO₂e) of New Zealand’s 2021 gross emissions. Support for Fonterra […]

Serious about reducing your carbon footprint? Read on!

Chances are you’re already talking about carbon – and climate change too. If not, you need to start! But when you’re a busy manufacturer, getting to grips with carbon can be daunting, we know. So in this first of two articles, Head of Carbon at thinkstep-anz Nicky Andrews explains how to get started and keep making progress. Nicky Andrews, thinkstep-anz Head of Carbon. Understanding carbon emissions What are carbon emissions? ‘Carbon emissions’ is shorthand for ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ (GHGs) – the gases that are trapping heat in Earth’s atmosphere and warming our planet. There are many types of GHGs. Common ones include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Why do manufacturers need to reduce carbon emissions? You’ll be helping to keep global warming to below 1.5°C and meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. There are many good business reasons, too, for manufacturers to tackle carbon. How does my business benefit from reducing emissions? First up, you’ll reduce your risks. For example, if the government introduces a carbon tax, you’ll be prepared. You’ll strengthen your brand. Customers may already be asking what you’re doing to reduce your emissions. That’s because they (and their customers) are increasingly seeking lower-carbon products. You’ll strengthen relationships. For example, you’ll keep your investors happy if you manage your emissions (and their money) carefully. Your team will value your efforts too. Many people want to work for a business that takes climate action seriously. Finally, because winkling out carbon involves delving into everything you do, you’ll spot opportunities to reduce your costs. What are the three Scopes (types) of emissions? The international Greenhouse Gas Protocol is one of the standards that govern how organisations measure and reduce their carbon emissions. The Protocol splits carbon into three groups (Scopes). Diagram of the Scopes: thinkstep-anz, […]

Slow train coming: only a genuine shift to rail will put NZ on track to reduce emissions

-Philip Laird, Honourary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong Both the Labour government and the opposition National Party have now released major transport polices that put the emphasis on maintaining and expanding roads. The cost and priority of various projects will clearly be an election issue. But at the heart of the debate lies an inconvenient truth about climate change: encouraging road transport while needing to reduce carbon emissions simply does not add up. We can see this tension in transport agency Waka Kotahi’s own policy statements: road safety and better travel options on the one hand, addressing sustainability on the other. But transport is responsible for 17% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, road vehicle use has been increasing, as has the popularity of larger cars and SUVs that create more emissions per kilometre. Road congestion has become worse, with the popular response being to expand road capacity. Hence the present government’s recently announced plans for a second harbour crossing in Auckland involving two road tunnels. And the main thrust of National’s Transport for the Future policy is on more urban and intercity roads. Both Labour and National favour a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington. In the background sits the government’s Rail Plan, which sets out the “vision and priorities for rail over the next decade and beyond”. But given the clear need for New Zealand’s transport policies to change, the planned improvements need to be on a fast track. Light rail right next door Cars and planes are convenient, but both have low energy efficiency compared to rail. Data source: Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2019 A car’s carbon emissions per passenger kilometre can be around four times that of domestic rail (as shown by the graph above, based on UK data). The government’s transport plans for Auckland do include light rail, but National has promised to scrap the […]

Kayasand receives backing from NZGIF to reduce carbon emissions from concrete

Kayasand, a distributor of premium sand manufacturing technology, is opening its first V7 high-technology manufacturing demonstration plant in New Zealand, which uses waste products such as recycled glass, concrete and slag, and turns them into premium sand for concrete. Kayasand has received the backing of New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) via a $3.5 million equity investment. The green investment bank was established to accelerate investment that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A further $1.8 million of private investment has been secured alongside the NZGIF investment bringing the total raise to $5.3 million. Natural sand supplies are becoming harder to access and traditional concrete manufacturing processes, including the impacts of sand dredging on coastlines such as Pakiri, 100km north of Auckland, are not sustainable over the longer-term. Dr Bram Smith, Kayasand General Manager, says “Our technology can reduce or in cases eliminates the need for natural sand dredging. It uses by-products and recycled materials such as quarry crusher dust and recycled glass to manufacture a sand of such quality that it makes stronger concrete than natural sand when mixed with cement. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions from concrete production by up to 20% using this method.” Kayasand technology is used in over 300 plants across Japan, China, India, and Australia. NZGIF Chief Executive, Craig Weise, says the deal is an important step and is a boost for the construction sector and consumers who are eagerly looking for more sustainable building materials. He says, “Auckland’s infrastructure requirements alone are projected to be $26 billion over the next decade and if New Zealand is going to meet its CO2 emission reduction targets, we need to find alternative manufacturing and building methods. We are delighted to invest in Kayasand to help deliver its services to the construction sector and to support […]

Matahio Energy completes acquisition of onshore assets in Taranaki

Matahio Energy has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of six onshore oil and gas licenses in the Taranaki Basin, NZ. Matahio will be the operator of these licenses, holding 100% participating interest in four licenses, and 70% interest in the remaining two licenses. Of the six licenses, three are currently producing. The sale and purchase agreement between the parties was signed in March 2022. All required approvals for the relevant New Zealand regulatory authorities have been obtained to complete this transaction. Key highlights of the transaction: – Operatorship of two fields, namely Cheal and Sidewinder, which are currently producing a total of 1.4 Kboepd (thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), net to Matahio. Cheal and Sidewinder are well-established, prolific fields, which have produced over 5 MM bbls (million barrels of oil) to date, since the first oil in 2008. – Matahio is adding 2 MM boe (million barrels of oil equivalent) 2P reserves (Net, effective date 1st January 2023). At prevailing oil prices and contemporary OPEX rates, the Cheal and Sidewinder fields are expected to generate positive cash flow until 2030. The New Zealand business’s EBITDA for the calendar year 2022 was NZD$29 MM. – The transaction also includes full technical and operational teams, based in New Plymouth, who have a track record in delivering strong health, safety & environment (HSE) and production performance. Most notably, recent production optimisation efforts have resulted in production rates returning to 2015 levels without drilling any new wells. – Matahio has crafted a multi-year development programme consisting of infill and step-out drilling as well as the appraisal of newer fields in the Puka license (which was 100% acquired by Matahio) to be tied back to existing operated infrastructure. This organic growth programme targets an additional 3.8 MM boe and, if successful, will […]

Kayasand receives backing from NZGIF to reduce carbon emissions from concrete

Kayasand, a distributor of premium sand manufacturing technology, is opening its first V7 high-technology manufacturing demonstration plant in New Zealand, which uses waste products such as recycled glass, concrete and slag, and turns them into premium sand for concrete. Kayasand has received the backing of New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) via a $3.5 million equity investment. The green investment bank was established to accelerate investment that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A further $1.8 million of private investment has been secured alongside the NZGIF investment bringing the total raise to $5.3 million. Natural sand supplies are becoming harder to access and traditional concrete manufacturing processes, including the impacts of sand dredging on coastlines such as Pakiri, 100km north of Auckland, are not sustainable over the longer-term. Dr Bram Smith, Kayasand General Manager, says “Our technology can reduce or in cases eliminates the need for natural sand dredging. It uses by-products and recycled materials such as quarry crusher dust and recycled glass to manufacture a sand of such quality that it makes stronger concrete than natural sand when mixed with cement. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions from concrete production by up to 20% using this method.” Kayasand technology is used in over 300 plants across Japan, China, India, and Australia. The picture shows a V7 plant in Japan. NZGIF Chief Executive, Craig Weise, says the deal is an important step and is a boost for the construction sector and consumers who are eagerly looking for more sustainable building materials. He says, “Auckland’s infrastructure requirements alone are projected to be $26 billion over the next decade and if New Zealand is going to meet its CO2 emission reduction targets, we need to find alternative manufacturing and building methods. We are delighted to invest in Kayasand to help deliver its […]

Battery power plus product stewardship for a brighter future

By Dominic Salmon, 3R Group Business Development – Sustainable Solutions The transition away from fossil fuels will rely heavily on large batteries – it’s estimated that EVs and stationary energy storage batteries can enable 30% of the emissions reduction needed in the transport and energy sectors. The conversation can often steer towards electric vehicles, but large stationary batteries are just as important. Large batteries are not yet widely used in New Zealand outside of EVs and hybrid vehicles. However, the potential applications for stationery storage are huge. These range from use in homes to store excess solar power, to national power grid stabilisation, upgrading old, inefficient battery systems and even as back up for key infrastructure in the event of natural disasters such as Cyclone Gabrielle. The range of stakeholders in this area is wide, from EV and home solar system owners (and potential owners) to energy generation companies, vehicle and battery importers, recyclers and, well, just about anyone who has energy needs. Like all solutions though, thought needs to go into preventing unintended consequences. In the case of batteries, it’s ensuring they are ethically and sustainably produced and don’t become a problematic waste stream at end of life. While small markets like New Zealand, which don’t mine the minerals or manufacture large batteries, can’t have a direct impact on their production, we can ensure they are used as efficiently as possible. Importers, retailers and consumers can also use tools like the Global Battery Alliance’s battery passport to track battery health and environmental impact and create demand for ethically and sustainably manufactured batteries. Making this transition obviously isn’t straight forward but there is a significant amount of work being done, including in Aotearoa New Zealand by the Battery Industry Group (B.I.G). Batteries in the Land of the Long White Cloud […]

Mitigate or adapt? With climate change it’s both

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of the weather events, as many are, we wish you well. Adapting to climate change. Since the disastrous weather earlier this year, it’s a term we’ve heard regularly in the mainstream media. What does adapting involve? Why does it matter? As a manufacturer, do you need to keep reducing (mitigating) climate change as well as adapting to it? (The answer to that last question: an emphatic yes!) This article explains why mitigating and adapting to climate change must go hand-in-hand for New Zealand manufacturers. But first, the science Let’s start with the global picture. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is adamant: a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels will adversely affect the world’s climate. A 2°C increase will be more serious still. The cause of this warming? Greenhouse gases (GHGs). Zoom in to Aotearoa New Zealand. Scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and University of Waikato are convinced that Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating rainfall is an example of climate change. The cause? Global warming, due to GHGs, increases air temperatures. Warmer air holds much more water vapour. When this vapour cools, it rains. Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema on unsplash. What does mitigating climate change involve? Think of mitigation as the fence at the top of the cliff. Mitigation is about addressing the causes of climate change by reducing the GHGs we emit. If you’re a manufacturer, it could involve reducing the carbon in your products or moving your factory to renewable electricity. To date, governments and businesses have focussed on mitigation – with good reason. We all benefit when we reduce climate change. What does adapting to climate change involve? If mitigation is the fence, adaptation is the ambulance. With a poorly maintained fence (an atmosphere damaged by […]

RS PRO launches energy efficiency products for NZ manufacturers

RS is again expanding its Australasian RS PRO range with the addition of products that deliver improved energy saving and efficiency. Due to the popularity of these products they are being fast-tracked to market and will launch in September. The product range is tailored to reduce energy consumption from building facilities and the production line, from solar panel solutions, smart lighting options and high-efficiency power supplies. “We’re helping our customers embrace energy efficiency with the RS Pro brand,” says Scott Philbrook, Managing Director RS ANZ. “Both production line and facilities products are part of this launch. From energy meters, power supplies and lighting right down to PPE and Tool Kits that deliver improved energy savings and efficiency are included.” Each RS PRO product is backed by the RS Seal of Approval, which represents industry standards for audit, inspection, test, and certification. This, combined with longer than average warranties reflects RS Components confidence in the quality and longevity of their products. According to Scott, the expansion in the range is meeting demand in the market for affordable options for engineers looking for a choice. “Every corner of the manufacturing environment is being pressured by energy costs and this is an opportunity for our customers to have variety in their product selection,” he explained. RS has supreme confidence in the RS PRO brand and has invested heavily in expanding these product ranges and anticipates a favourable response and uptake in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

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