Antarctica New Zealand takes top prize at NZ energy awards

19 May 2016

Antarctica New Zealand takes top prize at New Zealand energy awards

At the 2016 EECA Awards, Antarctica New Zealand has been recognised as a leader in environmental protection. These awards celebrate excellence and innovation in energy efficiency or renewable energy.

“To be named as the overall winner for the Trustpower Renewable Energy Award, which recognises projects designed to increase the production or use of renewable energy, is a real achievement – one Antarctica New Zealand has worked hard to earn,” says Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Beggs.

In January 2010, Antarctica New Zealand took the initiative to investigate renewable energy to power its operations at Scott Base due to the heavy reliance on fossil fuels on Ross Island.

In partnership with Meridian Energy, the Ross Island Wind Farm was commissioned consisting of three 330kW turbines erected on Crater Hill above Scott Base. This formed the southernmost wind farm in the world.

“By substituting renewable wind energy for the existing fossil fuel use, we were able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the risks associated with transporting and storing liquid fuel in Antarctica. Cost savings from using less fuel enabled additional investment towards science.”

“The use of renewable energy is one of the ways New Zealand demonstrates leadership among Antarctic Treaty parties in managing our impacts on the Antarctic environment,” says Mr Beggs.

Antarctica New Zealand is committed to developing a systematic approach to drive energy and carbon improvements. This includes membership with Energy-Mark certification programme designed to help develop and implement an Energy Management System in line with ISO 50001.

Mr Beggs thanked the Antarctica New Zealand team for their dedication in delivering the project in such a challenging climatic environment. He also thanked partners Meridian Energy and Enviromark Solutions for their support and paid special tribute to Antarctica New Zealand’s former Chairman Rob Fenwick and former Chief Executive Lou Sanson for their unwavering commitment to getting this project off the ground.

ENDS

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