Expressions of Interest in Chch District Energy System

11th July 2013

Expressions of Interest Sought for Christchurch District Energy System

Christchurch City Holdings, the infrastructure investment arm of Christchurch City Council, is seeking Expressions of Interest from parties with the capability to deliver a District Energy System (DES) for the Christchurch Central City. The rebuilding of central Christchurch provides an opportunity to construct a DES for the benefit of Central City customers.

District Energy Schemes (DES) use thermal energy generated centrally and conveyed through either a network of pipes, or via a series of discrete hubs, to buildings in the district for space heating, hot water and air conditioning uses. District Energy systems are typically designed to meet the requirements of the particular environment they serve. A Christchurch DES should deliver:

• Lower energy costs, greater energy efficiency and improved energy resiliency for customers compared to stand-alone solutions;
• Greater utilisation of existing energy infrastructure assets;
• Energy supply on an environmentally-friendly basis, supporting the vision for Christchurch as a 21st century clean green and sustainable city; and
• Acceptable financial returns and cash flow profile assuming attractive (to the customer) pricing and realistic investment and running cost inputs.

District Energy systems are not common in New Zealand but they are extensively used in other countries. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 district energy systems in the United States alone. In Denmark more than 60% of heating and cooling demand is met through district systems. The only NZ DES of any size is the Dunedin Energy Centre.

Christchurch City Holdings has taken the initiative to seek Expressions of Interest for a DES in a facilitative role given the interest expressed during the planning for the city rebuild. No commitment has been made at this stage for direct investment by CCHL.

Responses to the EoI must be received by 29 August 2013. All details are on the GETS website www.gets.govt.nz. The EoI document is also available on the CCHL website (www.cchl.co.nz).

About Christchurch City Holdings Limited
Christchurch City Holdings Limited is the 100% owned infrastructure investment arm of Christchurch City Council. It is the majority shareholder of Orion New Zealand Limited, Christchurch International Airport Limited, Lyttelton Port Company Limited, Enable Services Limited, Red Bus Limited, EcoCentral Limited and City Care Limited.

ENDS

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