Marine energy deployment fund
The marine energy deployment fund aims to bring forward the development of marine energy in New Zealand, by supporting the deployment of generating devices.
The fund provides grants to deploy devices in the New Zealand marine environment to provide information and practical experience.
The fund was established in October 2007, with $8 million set aside for the fund and its adminstration.
Grants are being allocated in four rounds, from 2008 to 2012.
Applications to the fund are assessed by an expert panel, with grants offered to projects that best meet a number of criteria. Funding is usually subject to a number of conditions, such as the project receiving Resource Consent.
Results of funding round one
The first marine energy deployment fund grant of $1.85 million was awarded in 2008 to Crest Energy for a 3 MW tidal stream generator project at the entrance to Kaipara Harbour, north of Auckland. Find out more about Crest Energy.
This funding was withdrawn in 2011 as Crest Energy was unable to meet the deadlines associated with it.
This project is part of a larger 200 MW project, which received consents from the Environment Court and Minister of Conservation in March 2011. Read the media statement from Awatea.
Results of funding round two
In funding round two, $760,000 was awarded to the WET-NZ project put forward by Power Projects Ltd and Industrial Research Ltd. Read the press release.
Results of funding round three
A proposal put forward by Chatham Islands Marine Energy Ltd (CHIME), to install a shore-based device to capture wave energy, has been awarded $2.16 million, subject to conditions, including receiving resource consent.
The project will see the construction of an oscillating water column to power two 110 kilowatt Wells turbines. The device will be installed on the south-west coast of Chatham Island, and will supply electricity into the island's electricity network. Read the press release.
Results of funding round four
In 2011, funding was awarded to three projects:
- Wave Energy Technology New Zealand Ltd (WET-NZ): $361,884 for the installation of a cable at WET-NZ's Moa Point Test Site on Wellington's south coast. The cable will later be available for use by other marine energy developers for further device testing.
- Community Leisure Management Ltd (CLM): Parnell Baths Marine Energy. $203,000 for the installation and deployment of up to three turbines on the Tamaki Drive Road Bridge to harness the tidal flows in and out of Hobson Bay. The electricity generated by the turbines will be used to pump and re-circulate treated seawater in the nearby Parnell Baths.
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Tangaroa Energy Rakia Amps Ltd: Tangaroa Energy/Langlee Wave Power Project: $312,000 for the manufacture of a 20kW wave energy device which will be installed and deployed in the eastern waters of Stewart Island.
Fund information
More information can be found in the definition document and application form and notes.
Any questions should be directed to:
Renewable Energy Advisor
Post: EECA, PO Box 388, Wellington 6140
More information
- A legal opinion on Marine Energy and the Resource Management Act
- Read the report The Development of Marine Energy in New Zealand
- Find out more about renewable energy in New Zealand
- Aotearoa Wave and Tidal Energy Association
- The Resource Management Act 1991. The Ministry for the Environment provides a gateway to New Zealand's main piece of legislation that sets out how we should manage our environment.
- Marine fund definition document
- Marine fund application form and notes
