ENERGY

Policies and actions needed to get to low emissions economy

BusinessNZ says clear policies and actions and a political bipartisan approach will be needed to meet the ambitious targets contained in new zero carbon legislation. The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill establishes a net zero target for long-lived gases such as carbon and nitrous oxide and a target for cutting agricultural methane emissions by up to 47 percent, by 2050. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said last year’s consultation exercise showed there is wide public support for a 2050 zero carbon target. “What we need now is a plan of action to deliver on these ambitious targets,” Mr Hope said. “New Zealand is already facing a 2030 target that needs policies and actions in place to be achieved. The work required to clarify actions needed for both the 2030 and 2050 targets should be a priority. “Business is keen to engage with the Government and Climate Change Commission on the workplan for both. “We need to implement changes that don’t get ahead of our trade competitors and ensure our exporters remain internationally competitive, while effectively transitioning to a zero-carbon economy. “The next step needs to be a bipartisan approach by the main political parties in shepherding this Bill through to becoming legislation. A unified, shared approach by our political leaders will allow the legislation to deliver clear, long-term signals to businesses and consumers.”

Hawke’s Bay businesses, councils partner on climate action

By Adele Rose – 3R Group Chief Executive When it comes to action on human-accelerated climate change in New Zealand we often look to conversations held in the main centres like Auckland and Wellington, or action from central Government to lead the way. But Hawke’s Bay is showing regional Aotearoa is just as capable of taking the lead. Some of the region’s five councils have been working on a response plan to climate change since 2014, and now the business community, alongside the councils, is coming together to tackle the issue through the Climate Action HB initiative. Achieving real and meaningful action on accelerated climate change has, and always will, rely on partnerships. Partnerships between people, businesses, councils and governments. In Hawke’s Bay you need look little further than the coastal erosion to see the very real effects of human accelerated climate change on the region. The economy of the Bay is heavily reliant on tourism and the primary industries, and while sea level rise is most often cited when talking about climate change, factors like warmer winters, fewer frosts and unseasonable wet and dry periods will impact the primary sector particularly, and the region overall. These impacts have obvious consequences for everyone – from residents living next to the sea, to orchards in the plains and farms in the hill country. Other impacts, such as food security, go beyond the region itself. The critical need to address these impacts was seen in the attendance of nearly 120 representatives from Hawke’s Bay businesses and councils at the inaugural event for Climate Action HB, an initiative led by 3R Group with support from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Attendees at the Business CoLab event on November 25 in Napier included major regional stakeholders such as Napier Port, Hawke’s Bay Airport, and Pan […]

Revolutionary power-efficient solution for network energy infrastructure

An exclusive Australian supplier of DC Power Converters and energy solutions, Powerbox Australia, recently released EnergyHub by Enatel Energy at Comms Connect Melbourne Exhibition and Conference. More than 1500 people from a broad range of industries attended this years event seeking out the very latest communications information, technologies and solutions. EnergyHub is a complete lithium-ion power solution for providers of power utilities, telecommunications and security, as well as transport operators. These industry sectors have historically relied on lead-acid battery solutions and worn the associated operation costs. Incorporating both DC rectifier technology and integrated lithium-ion battery modules, EnergyHub from Enatel Energy offers a truly dynamic li-ion solution. EnergyHub offers significant financial benefits because solutions are more efficient and less maintenance is required over the long term, vastly reducing operational costs when compared to the conventional lead-acid type batteries still widely used. As organisations begin to work with brand new EnergyHub, they will notice that this revolutionary system allows for much greater energy density and depth of discharge. “EnergyHub, which utilises li-on batteries, leaves more room for revenue-generating network equipment. Tight cell management from Enatel’s proprietary BMS in combination with the new RM848HE Rectifiers allows for optimised charging/discharging to improve system functionality,” said James Rutty, Business Development Manager of Powerbox Australia. “In addition, the EnergyHub requires zero set-up cost, can be easily scaled up to meet changing load demands and it shares a hot pluggable interface with EnergyPak battery modules to maximise usability.” According to Mr Rutty, safety of the system is ensured with the use of ‘Cold Terminal Design’, which stops voltage from travelling through the battery’s power and control pins to cut off the supply of current when it’s not connected to the charger. EnergyHub offers complete transparency of all energy data including battery cycle life, depth of discharge information, […]

James_Shaw,_2014 Ministers article on web NZM

Ministers to meet world energy leaders at premier Wellington event

Government Ministers and energy sector leaders from around the Asia Pacific will meet at a Summit in Wellington later this month. The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) and World Energy Council (WEC) will host their second Asia Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit from October 31 to November 1 at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa. New Zealand Minister of Energy and Innovation the Hon Megan Woods and Minister of Climate Change the Hon James Shaw (pictured) will host a Gala Lunch and Networking Event to discuss the economic transition faced by countries that are moving to decarbonise their economies. The event will also feature Prime Minister of the Cook Islands the Hon Henry Puna. The New Zealand Government is attracting international attention for its ambitious climate change goals, says WEC Secretary-General Dr Christoph Frei. The targets – 100pc renewable electricity, in a normal hydrological year, by 2035 and a net zero emissions economy by 2050 – commit New Zealand to a long-term transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. “Climate change is a global issue, and one that necessitates leadership and collaboration between countries if action is to be effective,” Dr Frei says. “The Summit is an opportunity to showcase our respective country capabilities in the provision of renewable energy and to demonstrate leadership on climate change action.” The programme features international speakers from Amazon, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Daikin, Uber and innovators from Silicon Valley. They will share insights on how to accelerate innovation, design new customer-centric business models at a time of rapid change, and create the future rather than predicting it. “The 3D vision – New Energy Perspectives Summit is a must-attend event for those who want to be better equipped to understand and deal with the changing energy landscape,” says BEC Chair David Caygill. “The […]

Revered nation’s Statoil explorations hushed up here

Norway’s Statoil is one of the major international investors in oil exploration in the New Zealand jurisdiction. Statoil (State oil) operations include among others the 28,000 square kilometre permit in the East Coast and Pegasus basins, southeast off New Zealand’s North Island. Norway was among the most fervent backers of the Paris Climate accords. Norway with a population similar to New Zealand’s has accumulated from its oil developments a sovereign wealth fund superior to Saudi Arabia’s. At a time when New Zealand is in the throes of shutting down its oil exploration sector, Norway, held up as an example of nationwide Green values, seeks to develop its already immense resources. The fact that this Green-revered nation is also one of the major current oil explorers in the New Zealand jurisdiction has been deliberately ignored. The Statoil revelations come at the same time as indications that under pressure to appease its doctrinal wing the Labour coalition government introduced the exploration ban even when it was receiving indications of the presence in New Zealand of Mycoplasma bovis. So far officials have sat on the real problem which is that the existence of the pathogen in New Zealand will give international buyers, already looking at a global over-supply, the opportunity to break contracts. The plausibility notion behind the original anti- oil campaign was to allow New Zealand, in its own popular parlance, to “punch above its weight” in international forums of the well-intentioned kind. Now, in contrast, New Zealand is looking silly having wilfully signalled the end of a major locomotive, pulling, force in its economy at a time when its main force, dairy, was entering a period, to put it mildly, of uncertainty. This in turn is compounded because the main region of oil exploration and production in New Zealand is Taranaki […]

Business impacted by oil and gas ban

BusinessNZ says banning new petroleum and gas exploration will have significant implications for New Zealand business. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the Government’s decision to continue to recognise existing permits was important, as doing otherwise would have had a potentially devastating effect on investment into New Zealand. “It will be important to see what Government commitment is being made to affected businesses, and how quickly other high value businesses can be developed to fill the void. “Many businesses will be affected by this ban, particularly those using gas. It will likely mean higher gas prices because of the restriction in supply, raising costs for enterprises that use gas for their operations. “Exporters such as Fonterra, NZ Steel, Methanex and Refining NZ may find their products less competitive in world markets. “It is concerning that the ban has been imposed without any consultation with industry. “For the longer term, this decision may raise doubts among investors as to the viability of investing in New Zealand business. If a multi-billion dollar energy industry can be banned, what other industries might face the same fate? “Confidence among both overseas and domestic investors may be the longer-term casualty of today’s decision,” Mr Hope said.

Energy ministers and business leaders to meet at Resilience Summit

The growing importance of resilience is demonstrated in the calibre of delegates gathering in New Zealand’s capital next month for the Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit hosted by the World Energy Council and BusinessNZ Energy Council. Energy resilience is emerging as a clear priority for both the private and public sector. The Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit is attracting CEOs and senior executives from across the globe, including Shell, Rosseti Russia, Enersis Chile, Chevron, Honda and Fujitsu, and energy experts from Norway, US, UK, Japan, China, the Philippines and Australia. They will be joining over 50 major corporates and institutions from New Zealand and around the world, including the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, APEC Energy Working Group, International Renewable Energy Association and the APEC Sustainable Energy Centre. Energy Ministers and high level officials from across the Asia-Pacific will join New Zealand Ministers Bridges and Bennett to discuss the growing resilience risks and challenges presented by climate change, emerging technologies, extreme weather events, cyber security, and the energy-water-food nexus. Hon Simon Bridges, NZ Minister of Energy and Resources says, “Energy system resilience is key to supporting and growing a vibrant economy. The Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit offers an opportunity for dialogue on transitioning to more sustainable and resilient energy systems, and I look forward to taking part.” The aim is to share insights and lessons about what can be done to address these challenges, including solutions available to the Asia-Pacific region. The World Energy Council will be launching a new report on the energy-water-food nexus at the event. Dr Christoph Frei, Secretary General, World Energy Council says, “Bringing business and policymakers together in this unique fashion is a vital step forward in finding solutions to building resilience in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to being part of […]

Revolutionary wind energy conversion system

The novel cross-axis-wind-turbine (CAWT) is a new type of wind turbine that has the capability to extract energy from multi-directional wind that is commonly found in urban areas due to the interaction of airflows between high-rise buildings. Its ability to operate in areas with complex wind pattern and low wind speed overcomes the weaknesses of the vertical and horizontal axis wind turbines (VAWT and HAWT). The novel wind turbine consists of vertical and horizontal blades arranged in a cross axis orientation, therefore enabling it to function with airflows coming from horizontal and vertical directions. The horizontal blades serve as the radial arms that link and support the vertical blades and the hubs through specially designed connectors to form the CAWT. Any airflow streams channeled to the bottom of the turbine interact with the lower and upper radial supporting-arms, therefore maximising the wind energy potential that can be extracted. Viewed from the top, the upper and lower radial arms can be considered as a double-layered HAWT that extracts energy from the vertical wind. Moreover, the lift created by the interaction between the vertical airflow and the horizontal blades creates aero-levitation forces which reduce bearing friction in the generator, hence extending the lifespan of the wind turbine. Initial studies have shown that the CAWT can overcome the problem of self-starting ability of a conventional VAWT, and produce better performance output by up to 2.5 times. In conclusion, the CAWT presents an innovative outlook on the future of wind turbines, creating significant opportunities for the use of wind energy devices and therefore alleviating dependencies on fossil fuel power plants. -chong_wentong@um.edu.my

Business addressing climate change

Climate change is moving up the agenda for New Zealand businesses, according to a survey released by BusinessNZ. Businesses that make up 36 percent of New Zealand’s private sector GDP participated in the BusinessNZ Climate Change Survey. The survey shows that 61 percent of those surveyed have introduced initiatives to reduce emissions, and that businesses want to see unified commitment at the international climate change COP21 negotiations in Paris this month. BusinessNZ has also released a Business Brief for the COP21 negotiations. BusinessNZ Head of Climate Change Policy John Carnegie says business will continue to take action regardless of what happens at Paris, but the negotiations are still an opportunity to set climate goals to give businesses the confidence to invest, innovate and act to reduce emissions. “We need to see an agreement that sets a predictable and transparent regulatory environment, to provide the direction to enable scaled-up action at a country level. “New Zealand businesses want to work with Government to develop and implement market-driven solutions to address emissions while maintaining our international competitiveness. This means supporting the development of international carbon markets to facilitate the global transfer of low emissions technology and finance to where it is needed most. “Through to 2020, businesses in New Zealand will focus on reducing emissions in the transport sector, improving energy efficiency beyond transport, improving urban infrastructure and being strong leaders on climate change mitigation and adaptation.” Survey findings: • 52% of respondents said climate was a material issue that warranted a business response. • 61% have introduced initiatives to reduce climate emissions. • Two-thirds of respondents have emission reduction targets in place, with strong representation from energy, transport, telecommunications and retail sectors. • 85% of business climate activity sits within business operations, working with customers and through supply chains. • Climate […]

Energy conversion principle to double engine efficiency

Professor Ken Naitoh of Waseda University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (Department of Applied Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering) and his associates have discovered a revolutionary energy conversion principle (new compressive combustion principle) able to yield stand-alone engines with double or higher the thermal efficiency potential of conventional engines, independent of their size. If engines utilising this principle can be put to use in practical applications, it is believed that they could become innovations with the ability to solve today’s immediate environmental energy problems. This new compressive combustion principle was formulated by Professor Naitoh through the development of a new thermofluid dynamics theory, as well as thought experiments, supercomputer simulations, and high-speed airflow experiments drawing on that theory. The fundamental principle is that while thermal efficiency can be raised by reaching a high compression ratio, achieved through pulsed collisions of multiple high-speed jets of an air-fuel gas mixture at microscopic regions in the central area of a combustion chamber, expanded uses and ranges of application were attained with the further addition of 3 new measures. This method is also considered to be lower in cost than batteries, as well as having possibilities for noise reduction and the potential to eliminate the need for cooling mechanisms. If the effectiveness of this principle can be confirmed through combustion tests, it will not only open up the doors to new lightweight, high-performance aerospace vehicles, but would also lead to prospects of next-generation, high-performance engines for automobiles. The maximum thermal efficiency of present-day gasoline engines for automobiles is on the order of 30%, believed to fall to a level as low as 15% in states from idling to low-speed city driving. Therefore, if automobiles could be equipped with ‘low-cost, ultimate-efficiency engines’, reaching a stand-alone thermal efficiency of 60% or […]

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