CAfE releases feasibility studies for District Energy Scheme

The Christchurch Agency for Energy http://www.cafe.gen.nz/ (CAfE) has today released the three feasibility studies examining New Zealand's first city District Energy Scheme (DES). http://www.cafe.gen.nz/DES-feasibility reports

The technical study involved the development of a phased model to implement a scheme which can be expanded as the CBD rebuild progresses. It is envisaged that the scheme would use mostly renewable fuels. The Investment and Ownership report notes that based on this phased approach the project can be commercially successful. The final report, which considered social, economic and environmental matters found that this approach to creating and operating a DES would have a number of benefits for Christchurch.

The studies commissioned from the RFP process were:

1. Technical study - to determine technical aspects and commercial viability undertaken by a consortium consisting of Bizcat http://www.bizcat.se/ , Aurecon http://www.aurecongroup.com/ and FVB .

2. Social, Environmental and Economic study - was completed by a consortium consisting of MWH Global http://www.mwhglobal.co.nz/ , Taylor Baines and Associates http://www.tba.co.nz/ and PricewaterhouseCoopers http://www.pwc.co.nz/ .

3. A study considering possible ownership and investment options, undertaken by KPMG http://www.kpmg.co.nz/ .

CAfE Acting CEO Merv Altments says, "We were pleased to get the crucial feasibility work done by the end of 2011. The studies will provide valuable input for consideration of whether such a scheme can be undertaken here as part of the Christchurch rebuild. The studies indicate that a phased approach in the central city with possible extensions over time are practical and viable. CAfE is in the process of preparing an implementation plan, with a view to passing the work to an organisation that can develop and build a District Energy Scheme in Christchurch.".

ENDS

© Scoop Media