Enterprise Dunedin media release

14 November 2018

Potential for an eco-friendly energy system for central Dunedin came a step closer this month with the city’s major institutions adding their signature to a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Dunedin City Council, University of Otago, Southern District Health Board and the Ministry of Health have agreed to jointly investigate development of a low-carbon district energy system that could provide cost-effective heating for major energy users within a central city network. Enterprise Dunedin is leading this effort as part of its work to implement Dunedin’s Energy Plan.

DCC Chief Executive, Sue Bidrose, says “This MOU represents a commitment from the signatories to collaboratively look at new clean-energy options for the central city, with real economic and environmental benefits. The first step will be preparation of a business case, so we’re getting that underway.

“This is the perfect time to get this investigation rolling because there are several other complementary initiatives on line. We have the construction of the new hospital, the planned central city upgrade and examination of the State Highway 1 one-way pair, which could all offer potential for efficiencies around infrastructure installation. There’s also the greenhouse gas emission goals set by the DCC and central government.”

University of Otago Chief Operating Officer Stephen Willis says the opportunity to collaborate on this project is a great demonstration of the city’s energy leaders working together to support sustainability. This initiative fits well with the University’s vision for zero carbon campuses – which includes being 100 per cent renewable by 2030.

Local Advisory Group Chairman Pete Hodgson has already indicated that any district energy scheme supplying the new Dunedin Hospital would use renewable energy sources.

ENDS

© Scoop Media