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Earthquake update - Report on Christchurch Installations
All Next Energy Geothermal heating installations in the earthquake zone coped extremely well, with only one requiring a call out. Heating at this Christchurch residence went off after a localized October earthquake. A Next Energy technician promptly visited the house and went over the system with test equipment. The problem was found to be above ground with a rigid pvc pipe attached to a manifold, housed in the garage. This was replaced with a flexible pipe and the system was restarted and has functioned normally since.
The association has now been formed and is called GHANZ (Ground Source Heat Pump Association of New Zealand).
Next Energy Ltd has been actively involved from the outset of this initiative by GNS Science a NZ Government entity.
GHANZ members are aligned with NZ Geothermal Association which is an independent, non-profit association that provide information on geothermal phenomena and utilisation for industry, government and educational organisations.
Whilst both of the above organisations deal with traditional, primarily high temperature geothermal development, they have recognised the need to have a focus on low temperature geothermal with the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps. These low temperature systems have wide applications for commercial, industrial and domestic production of hot water.
GHANZ members are made up of suppliers, designers and installers of GSHP's, and other interested parties who have a common goal to see this technology grow. The aim is to heighten the awareness of GSHP by way of, amongst other methods, holding Workshops around the country (see attached). The first workshop was held 13 Sept 2012 in Auckland, details of more workshops to follow.
13 Sept 2012 First GHANZ Workshop
How can the direct use of geothermal heat and geothermal heat pumps contribute to meeting New Zealand's growing energy needs?
This short workshop and discussion session will be of interest to engineers, architects, energy advisors, planners, central heating installers, property managers and anyone with an interest in energy efficient space heating and cooling.
Geothermal heat pumps (also called ground source heat pumps) are used extensively overseas to access energy from the ground, groundwater or surface water. They can provide efficient space heating and cooling at almost any site in New Zealand, from a home to an airport terminal and everything in between.
Topics:
• The increasing use of geothermal energy internationally
• Geothermal energy development and use in New Zealand
• The technology of geothermal heat pumps
• Case studies of existing geothermal heat pump installations in New Zealand
• The role of GHANZ (Geothermal Heat-pump Association of New Zealand) Other regional workshops This is the first workshop to be held by GHANZ as part of a national drive to raise awareness of the potential of geothermal energy use in New Zealand. Look out for future workshops in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. Attendance is free and open to anyone with an interest in geothermal energy use.
November 2011
GNS Science is seeking to establish a Working Group with a view to developing an industry association for geothermal heat pumps in New Zealand.
The Working Group has over 15 members from across industry and government sectors, including Next Energy Ltd. At this stage the NZGHP Working Group will be tasked with:
1. Engaging the wider industry to seek input, information, and buy-in.
2. Developing and implementing a plan to establish an industry association or interest group for improving the quality and uptake of geothermal heat pumps in New Zealand.
GNS Science is providing initial logistical support to get the Working Group up and running.
New Zealand Geothermal Association Seminar – Taupo, October 12, 2011
As part of the Clean Energy Expo in Taupo, the NZGA hosted a full-day seminar on low temperature geothermal energy. GNS Science gave out a number of case studies on direct use and geothermal heat pump projects including two from Next Energy projects; Manuka Point Lodge and Wanaka Family Home. The full list of case studies is available here.
Canadian GeoExchange Coalition Meeting – Taupo, October 17, 2011
GNS Science hosted a visit by Denis Tanguay (President & CEO) and Ted Kantrowitz (Vice President) from the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC). The CGC are Canada's ground source heat pump industry association. Over the past 10 years they have had good success growing the industry in Canada. They have developed a framework to support industry growth and sustainability including training and accreditation programmes for installers, quality assurance programmes for consumers and advocacy work.
CGC are now in a phase of developing international partnerships. Their model is to provide the resources they have developed (training courses, quality assurance programmes etc) to partner countries free of charge. Partner countries can adapt material to their circumstances. In return, CGC are looking for information sharing so that training materials and programmes are updated and improved. Further work will be done to evaluate the opportunities this could present for New Zealand.
Thursday 24th November – Auckland – next Working Group meeting
Topics for discussion include logistics, frequency and location of meetings and appointments of key positions, Chair, Vice-chair and Secretary and review a draft strategic plan that is in the process of being developed. This will be available for circulation on 14 Nov 2011.
Next Energy is a founding member of the New Zealand Hot Water Association (NZHWA) which promotes the uptake of energy efficient water heating options which harness renewable energy. The founding companies share a commitment to encouraging New Zealand homeowners to adopt renewable water heating technologies, and to move away from reliance on fossil fuels.
The NZHWA was founded in 2008 and works in collaboration with homeowners, builders and specifiers, trade and industry and consumer associations, and government and officials to promote domestic water heating options that are tailored to New Zealand's climate and energy landscape.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) encourages, supports, and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable sources of energy in New Zealand.
