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 to Crest Energy for a tidal stream generator project at the entrance to Kaipara Harbour, north of Auckland. Find out more about Crest Energy.
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.
Funding round four
The final round is expected to open to applicants in the latter part of 2010 and will close at the end of the year. The details of the final round will be announced once the dates have been confirmed.
More information can be found in the definition document and other materials used for Round Three (see above). Please note that these documents may change for Funding Round Four.
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 Marine energy factsheet
- 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.
