Latest News
November 2011
Geothermal Heat Pump Industry Development in New Zealand
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.
