The NZ Clean Energy Centre based in Taupō is nearly complete and from April 2011, it will provide a home to clean energy businesses from Europe, Australia and NZ.
The state of the art science and technology facility was established to accelerate NZ’s adoption of clean, renewable energy solutions. The centre, based on Napier State Highway 5 near the East Taupō Arterial, will provide an environmental cluster of clean energy businesses and will demonstrate clean energy solutions to the public and host clean energy events.
Before the centre has even opened, tenants have already begun collaborating on business opportunities. “The synergies from working with the Clean Energy Centre tenants has already begun to pay huge dividends for future projects,” said Brett Houston from Fitzroy Clean Energy. He says the Clean Energy Centre will be the home for a new division of Fitzroy, focusing on clean energy projects.
Tony Goodman from Renewable Energy Technologies said the timing of the centre opening couldn’t be better. “With the current worldwide energy challenges, people are now seriously considering renewable energy options. We have an interesting story to tell and now we have the place to tell it. We are all really looking forward to it.”
The NZ Clean Energy Centre has been in the pipeline for seven years and has received funding from NZ Trade & Enterprise and strong support from Taupō District Council. The centre has attracted new businesses to the Taupō region that will create skilled employment opportunities and open doors for New Zealand to participate in the fastest growth sector of the 21st century. The NZ Clean Energy Centre tenants include companies from the biomass, geothermal and solar sectors and the centre will demonstrate biomass, geothermal, solar, wind and hydro solutions.
Taupō District Council Mayor Rick Cooper and CEO Rob Williams met with NZ Clean Energy Centre CEO Rob McEwen and the new tenants of the centre last week. Mayor Cooper says it is an exciting time for the industry. “Clean energy is becoming a higher priority for our society and we are really excited that this innovative science and technology hub and these dynamic businesses are based in Taupō. I am looking forward to hearing of the developments that come out of the centre.”
Mr McEwen says the NZ Clean Energy Centre team are planning to hold a public open day in May for locals to take a look around and learn about what the centre has to offer. “We are really looking forward to opening the centre up for the Taupō community to showcase the facility and tell people what we are all about,” he said. A formal opening of the centre will be held in June.
The NZ Clean Energy Centre will be the host of the NZ Clean Energy Expo from October 12-14 2011, in association with the NZ2011 office which aims to showcase New Zealand clean energy innovation to visitors here for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
