Stewart Island hopes to dump diesel

Stewart Island looks set to go greener with a project that will replace the current diesel electricity system with renewable energy from wind, sun and biofuels.

Southland District Council's Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority network manager Peter Thompson said renewable energy was the best possible solution for the island and was in keeping with its natural heritage and native environment.

"This `green' Stewart Island project will help lower carbon emissions while providing Islanders with a cheaper, sustainable replacement to meet their energy needs," Mr Thompson said.

"We see renewable energy systems as the way of the future and are considering options to introduce renewable generation in other areas, including footpath lighting and council workplaces."

The replacement generation would come from a combination of wind turbines, solar panels and bio fuels, Mr Thompson told NZPA.

The island would not have wind farms as such, but a series of small wind turbines about 10m tall placed around the island and on buildings, he said.

The proposal came from Meridian subsidiary Right House who would carry the project out with the District Council and with assistance from Elemental Energy and Environ Fuels.

The project, should the proposal be accepted, would begin next January.

- NZPA