Clean Energy is the growth industry of the 21st Century. In 2010 global clean energy investments totalled $US240 billion, up 30% from the year prior. Rising uncertainty around future oil supplies, concerns around climate change, catastrophes such as the Fukushima nuclear plant, and growing energy demand in developing nations such as China and India are key drivers for growth.

The Taupo region is blessed with some of the most abundant clean energy resources in the world – in particular geothermal, hydro, and biomass resources.

The New Zealand Clean Energy Centre (NZCEC) has been established to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions by industry, communities, businesses and households in New Zealand. The Clean Energy Centre building is a model of energy efficient & green architecture. Concrete content was reduced by replacing cement with fly ash from Huntly Power Station. Straw bales were used for insulation on the south and east walls. Exposed timber laminated beams reduced the structural steel required. Window shading was positioned to reduce summer overheating and encourage winter exposure to solar gain, and a green balustrade will use native plants to filter chemicals from the air and introduce moisture during summer months.

The building is also a demonstration venue and showcase for a wide variety of clean energy solutions. Space heating and hot water needs are fulfilled with a novel new geothermal system developed in Taupo, plus three solar hot water systems. Electricity requirements are met via two solar photovoltaic systems and two wind turbines. The building also harvests rainwater, harvests light (electric lighting only comes on to the degree necessary to supplement the natural light) and disposes of its own waste water via drip irrigation to a short rotation energy crop which every three years, can be harvested to provide biomass fuel. The Centre is always receptive to demonstrating or exhibiting new clean energy solutions, particularly where they represent a paradigm shift from current solutions and are applicable to the New Zealand market.

The building houses a number of tenants: Fitzroy Engineering’s Clean Energy Division, Polytechnik Biomass Energy (an Austrian company), Renewable Energy Technologies, MB Century, Vertichem, Biosource and Clean Energy Ventures. These tenants are already collaborating on projects, and the Centre is looking to fill the remaining offices with other like-minded companies and ultimately, to build a second stage to house additional clean energy tenants.

A growing number of clean energy solutions providers are also taking exhibit space at the Centre and are forming business relationships with Centre tenants. NZ’s second largest lines company, Powerco, is an example. They have a solar electric solution for remote farm applications and are renting a small exhibit space and have formed a business relationship with Centre tenant Renewable Energy Technologies, who have a portfolio of on-farm clean energy solutions.

The building has also been designed to host events of up to 80 people - events such as evening or weekend workshops on clean energy related topics. For information, call Rob McEwen on +6421 728 875 or email rmcewen@nzcleanenergycentre.co.nz