Media statement 15 April 2008
For immediate release

Encouraging small scale renewable energy:

Introducing Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand

Small scale renewable energy deserves to taken seriously as one answer to the country’s energy challenge, Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand (SEANZ) said today.

SEANZ is a new organisation that promotes the use of small scale renewable energy.

“SEANZ believes its voice deserves to be heard because small scale renewable energy can play a valuable role in helping the country reach the Government’s target of 90 per cent renewable energy by 2025,” said SEANZ CEO Charmaine Watts.

“Small scale renewable energy is clean, green and sustainable. As well, it gives people more confidence about their electricity supply.”

Small scale renewable energy involves small power sources located within or close to homes and businesses:

• Photovoltaic solar power – converting the sun’s energy into electricity through special solar cells. 50m² of cells are enough to power the average NZ home
• Small scale wind power – turbines generating up to 100 kW, which is enough to power the average home, business or farm
• Small scale hydro power – turbines generating up to 1 MW

“More and more people are embracing this technology,” said Ms Watts. “It’s not just lifestylers and remote businesses; the technology is spreading to cities. Auckland International Airport has just installed photovoltaic cells on its main terminal roof.

“But there is scope for even greater uptake. If we want a clean, green, sustainable energy future, central and local government need to do much more.

“Other countries such as Germany, Japan and the United States have provided support and reformed their electricity markets to encourage more people to embrace this exciting and proven technology.

“Such support is one reason photovoltaic installations across the world grew by 62 per cent, or 2826 MW, last year . That’s the equivalent of seven Clyde Dams.

“It’s clear the potential for small scale renewable energy is being unlocked overseas. It’s time New Zealand seized the opportunity,” said Ms Watts.

For further information please contact SEANZ

SEANZ members include:

Sharp Corporation, Tyco Electronics, Meridian Energy, Contact Energy, Vector, Industrial Research Ltd, University of Otago Chemistry Department.

For further information visit our website at:
www.seanz.org.nz