Support for Chatham Island Power Plan

Support for Chatham Island Power Plan

A Chatham Island plan to harness the power of the sea to provide electricity for its 800 residents would be a significant step forward for marine energy development in New Zealand.

Aotearoa Wave & Tidal Energy Association (AWATEA) says if resource consent approval and government funding come through, a wave generator would reduce dependence on expensive diesel-powered generators.

Executive Officer Chris Turver says AWATEA particularly welcomes this marine energy development project because it’s for an isolated community where the cost of fossil fuel to provide electricity is prohibitive

“It would show that this form of renewable energy is perfectly capable of replacing costly fossil fuels and may create a model for use elsewhere.”

Mr Turver says Chatham Island Marine Energy, a member of AWATEA, is one of five pioneering marine energy companies in New Zealand which are developing tidal turbine or wave generator projects.

The others are Crest Energy in the Kaipara Harbour, Energy Pacifica in Tory Channel, Wave Energy Technology – New Zealand at Lyttleton, and Neptune Power in Cook Strait.

The Chatham Island announcement comes on the eve of AWATEA’s fourth annual conference in Wellington where keynote speakers will update New Zealand on marine energy developments at home and overseas.

ENDS

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