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The BusinessNZ Energy Council is calling for nominations for the Future Energy Leaders programme. This is the chance for our emerging talent in the energy sector to apply. Refer to the FAQ for more information on who is eligible to apply and email Deb Bougen by Friday 21 February for details on the application process. Applications to BEC will close at 4pm on Friday 28 February. All applications will be reviewed and three candidates will be selected to apply to the programme.

Annual breakfast event with Hon Simon Watts and Hon Shane Jones

On Tuesday we co-hosted a breakfast with leaders across the energy and resource sectors - joining us to set the scene for New Zealand business for 2025. The Ministers top priority is ensuring access to reliable, internationally competitive energy with a focus on security and affordability. The Ministers emphasised the need for New Zealand to cut through red tape, fast-track renewable energy projects and shared that government is open to collaborating with business. Read more...

India and New Zealand collaborate on energy challenges

The BusinessNZ Energy Council hosted a delegation of Indian Commissioners to discuss electricity market regulation and potential cooperation. India’s economic growth has led to a significant increase in energy demand, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Both India and New Zealand face challenges such as expanding infrastructure and managing price volatility due to renewable energy integration. The session highlighted the potential for collaboration, including utilising India's skilled workforce to support New Zealand's decarbonisation efforts.

BEC explores Power Purchase Agreements

The BusinessNZ Energy Council, along with SBC, ManufacturingNZ, EVA Marketplace and DLA Piper, hosted a workshop with 100 participants to discuss enhancing New Zealand's energy security and affordability through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Success stories highlighted how PPAs have helped businesses reduce energy bills and achieve emissions targets. A standardised corporate PPA template could attract new demand, lower barriers, and provide stable electricity prices, benefiting New Zealand's economy. Addressing challenges like project complexity and risk profiles is essential for the template's effectiveness.

New OIO guidance clears the air for wind and solar farming

The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has released guidance on overseas investment in solar and wind farms under the Overseas Investment Act 2005. It brings together new and previously-published information, providing investors with a summary of the treatment of the two renewables by the OIO. Experts from MinterEllisonRuddWatts discuss the new guidance released by the OIO for overseas investors. Read more...

Submissions

BEC has sent out its draft submission for feedback on the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill. Consultation on the Bill closed February. BEC is also currently drafting its response to the Electricity Authority’s working paper on Power Purchase Agreements.  Read more on our submissions here...

RETA Hawkes Bay now available

EECA's Hawkes Bay Regional Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA) report shows the significant role unused forestry residues could play as the regions reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. Hawkes Bay forestry waste could be transformed into commercial biofuel with demand for biomass set to grow as the region makes the switch to clean energy. Up to 94% of the region's energy needed for heat used in the meat, industrial and commercial sectors could be met by local biomass. Read more...

New Zealand's largest solar farm Joint Venture completes financial close

Harmony Energy and Clarus company, First Renewables have approved the final investment for the Tauhei Solar Farm project and successfully completed financial close, with construction set to begin this year. At the time of commissioning in late 2026, it is expected to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm at 202 MWp, powering the equivalent of approximately 35,000 Kiwi homes. It will also generate jobs and business opportunities and support biodiversity in the area by creating a wetland and allowing the land to continue to be used for farming.  Read more...

Fonterra announces electrification plans

Fonterra have announced their investment in electrification projects across some of their North Island sites, focusing on future-proofing operations and ensuring reliable, sustainable energy to help build a resilient Co-op. Plans for new electric boilers are underway at the Whareroa, Edgecumbe, and Waitoa sites with further fleet decarbonisation also on the cards. Read more...

How tradies are responding to demand for energy-efficient tech

New research by EECA offers insights into how electricians and plumbers (including gasfitters) are responding to increasing customer demand for emerging, energy-efficient technologies like hot water, heat pumps, EV chargers, induction cooktops, solar panels and home energy management systems (HEMS). Read more...

Electricity sector glossary improves the connection journey

The ‘connections journey mapping’ project aims to align lines companies’ processes to improve the connections journey for customers. The project is part of Electricity Networks Aotearoa’s ‘Future Networks Forum' and is made up of reps from lines companies across the motu. The first output from 13 action points that has been completed is a glossary that will help all lines companies to use standard terminology when it comes to the connection process. You can check out the glossary here...

Getting value from AI

AI and its use is a hot topic everywhere right now. Most organisations can see the potential that the technology can offer but knowing where to start and how to unlock the most meaningful gains can sometimes feel difficult. This article explores how to get the most out of AI and gives some practical examples of how the tech can drive real change. Read more...