Media Release

Regional Governance Group moves forward with Energy Strategy
For immediate release: 3 June 2009

New energy initiatives and opportunities, in addition to water and geothermal resources, are being looked at in the Bay of Plenty as part of a regional energy strategy.

The Regional Governance Group, made up of representatives from business, the economic development agencies and Environment Bay of Plenty, is developing the strategy as part of its economic development work for the region.

The main focus of the strategy is to look at regional security of supply and identify opportunities to increase local generation and energy use efficiency, while making sure the wealth and wellbeing of the community are at the forefront.

Energy is just one of the key projects underway since the region’s economic strategy - Bay of Connections ‑ was launched in November last year. Other projects include an aquaculture strategy, a food sector strategy for the Bay of Plenty and economic studies into a marine precinct at Sulphur Point.

Regional Governance Group member Anthony Olsen said energy is currently generated from two main resources in the region, water and geothermal.

“With the importance of the region’s energy sources long been recognised nationally and locally, the Regional Governance Group felt it was time to look at new options for energy, as well as encouraging the region to work together,”Mr Olsen said.

“Opportunities for energy initiatives within the public and private sectors are immense in the Bay of Plenty, particularly around our untapped geothermal and use of biofuels such as forest harvesting residues.

“Energy is an area where we as a region can work together to increase the wealth and wellbeing for our communities. Investment in this region is a key to success; to encourage and achieve this we need to have absolute reliability and surety of supply for the long term while still maintaining affordability,” he said.

The group is consulting with key parties and stakeholders in the region on the development of the strategy. Experience from other regions indicates that this requires input from a wide range of energy users, including for heat and electricity use.

Consultants have been engaged to assist in the development of the strategy. They are approaching key parties in the energy sector to collect the full range of issues and opportunities that should be included in the strategy. A regional forum with key stakeholders will be held in early July to test the strategy options.

ENDS

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