SEANZ 2019, held in Wellington was a great success. The theme was the 3’D’s of Modern Energy. With a video presentation from the Minister of Energy Hon Dr Megan Woods, who unfortunately could not attend in person, this was the next best thing she could do. Her message was clear.

The SEANZ Awards are now 10 years old and this year we received the most award nominations ever!

SEANZ would like to thank Fronius for generously sponsoring the awards again this year. 

Energy and Resources Minister Hon. Megan Woods today announced changes to the electricity market aimed to level playing field for smaller independent retailers, provide greater transparency over the big power companies, increase competition in the market and encourage consumers to shop around for better deals. 

SEANZ Media Release – 26 September 2019

Minister of Energy opens first-of-kind community-shared solar grid at Morningside Precinct

Minister of Energy and Resources, Hon. Megan Woods, today launched a community-shared solar grid at Morningside retail and hospitality precinct in Auckland.

In a double first for New Zealand, SEANZ member Vector has announced New Zealand's floating solar array and first solar project over 1MW. 

The largest solar pv system in Hawkes Bay opened recently, installed by SEANZ member Ecoefficient Solutions NZ on the roof of iconic NZ honey company Arataki Honey. 

This is a guest post by Energy analyst Molly Melhuish.

100% Renewable Energy -It’s a great aspirational goal for New Zealand. Can it be achieved?

The Interim Climate Change committee has concluded that the Government’s goal of 100% renewable electricity is too costly. Their model indicates that power prices would be driven up by 39%.

Refining NZ, the owner and operator of the Marsden Point refinery is exploring the viability of a 26 MW solar farm to be potentially developed adjacent to the refinery to supply it with renewable electricity.

Reprinted with permission of SEANZ member Power Technology

Every school could have a solar array on the roof. Schools are a long term investment in our communities, and solar on the roof of a school enhances this long term investment with impressive guarantees. A solar array produces energy during daylight hours, which is when electricity is needed most in schools. During daylights hours students are in school, which means that electricity is used to assist in educational activities. Long term, a solar array will definitely save a school money on their power expenditure. If a school is not financially able to purchase a large solar array in first instance, they can easily start small and add more solar panels over time. There is a solar solution available for every and any school in New Zealand.

(See above, Otonga School with arrays on several roof areas - Genesis Energy School-gen/Power Technology)

Businesses around the country are rushing to generate their own electricity