Project To “Green” Stewart Island Power Supply

Southland District Council and Right House Announce Project To “Green” Stewart Island Power Supply

Southland District Council (SDC) and Meridian subsidiary Right House have launched a project to replace the current diesel electricity system with renewable generation.

Right House specialises in providing energy efficient solutions to the built environment.

The Council’s Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority (SIESA) network manager Peter Thompson said renewable energy was the best possible solution for Stewart Island and was in keeping with its natural heritage and native environment.

“This ‘green’ Stewart Island project will help lower carbon emissions while providing Islanders with a cheaper, sustainable replacement to meet their energy needs,” Mr Thompson said.

“We see renewable energy systems as the way of the future and are considering options to introduce renewable generation in other areas, including footpath lighting and council workplaces. Right House has really come to the fore with this proposal and we’re excited to have this opportunity to work closely with them.”

The work will be carried out by a combined team from SDC and Right House, with assistance from Elemental Energy and Environ Fuels.

Elemental Energy is a company that sells, installs and maintains small scale renewable energy systems nationwide. Environ Fuels is a Te Kuiti based firm that specialises in producing bio diesel from sustainable oil seed.

Commencing in January 2008, the project will determine where energy efficiencies can be obtained, identify sites to install renewable generation and commence trialing one of the existing diesel generators on a 100% bio diesel blend.

Hamish Sisson, Chief Executive of Right House said “We are excited to be able to utilise our expertise to provide a complete energy efficiency solution and make a special part of New Zealand more sustainable. We look forward to delivering this project with SDC who we value as a forward thinking Council.

ENDS