Area prime energy leader

Environment Waikato argues a case for a regional energy strategy, writes Bruce Holloway.

The Waikato is well placed to take a leadership role in promoting a host of pilot projects which address major national energy issues.

That was the view of Environment Waikato policy manager Blair Dickie in releasing a draft Waikato Regional Energy Strategy at a high-powered forum at Narrows Landing this week.

It was the second such conference of politicians, industry leaders, local authorities and community groups this year, aimed at developing an energy strategy for the Waikato region.

Mr Dickie spoke about a 225-page "working document" which argued the case for a regional strategy, provided a snapshot of Waikato's energy profile (we generate almost 40 per cent of New Zealand's electricity), and looked at specific demand and supply-side issues.

"The aim is to use and harness the best mix of key elements from national strategies, integrate them with the needs of the regional economy and find ways of making them work practically at a local level," Mr Dickie said.

The draft energy strategy's broad range of 34 recommendations include:

The Waikato becoming a research centre for the development of electric car technology in New Zealand.

An investigation into west coast wave energy and establishment of a trial project to identify the effects of new wave-power technologies.

The roll-out "smart metering", which gives households a clear display of how much energy they are using, and how much it costs at any given moment.

Support for the investigation of electrification of the Main Trunk railway between Hamilton and Auckland.

Investigation of a pilot project into the running of diesel trains and buses on alternative fuels.

Fostering of the development of the inland port concept and the transporting of goods by rail.

Encouraging local authorities to ensure new subdivisions are required to make use of on-site renewable energy such as wind, micro-hydro or solar for a percentage of their energy needs.

Greater government or corporate funding for retro-fitting of insulation.

Greater uptake of solar water heating.

Removal of unintended barriers to the production of bioethanol or biodiesel within the region.

Environment Waikato setting out best-practice protocols for wind development.

Fostering the development of telecommuting (video conference participation) as opposed to road and air travel).

Mr Dickie invited forum delegates to forward nominations for a 12-person strategic advisory group to further fine-tune the draft strategy. Mike Underhill, chief executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, also spoke at the forum about the benefits of reducing energy demand energy.

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