Science Centres: Energy

Major advance for clean energy research

NIWA buys 50% stake in CRL Energy

Research into secure, clean, internationally competitive energy solutions has just been given a major boost with NIWA’s investment in CRL Energy Ltd. The other 50% shareholding is retained by the Coal Association of New Zealand.

"We are delighted to become partners with the Coal Association in CRL Energy," says NIWA chief executive Dr Rick Pridmore. "CRL Energy’s focus on medium to long-term energy solutions, including biofuels, carbon capture and storage, coal gasification, and the hydrogen economy, will complement and enhance NIWA’s current focus on environmental impacts and renewable resources, including wind, solar, hydro, and wave."

Coal and associated technologies will play an important part in the transition to new sources of electricity generation and transport fuels both here and overseas. Reducing or eliminating the associated greenhouse gas emissions poses challenges, but technology will help provide solutions. Coal Association chairman, Chris Baker, says "This partnership between NIWA and the Coal Association reflects the industry’s commitment to research-driven solutions leading to zero emissions coal use and the continued development of alternative energy sources."

The move makes the NIWA group of companies, including NIWA Science and CRL Energy, the largest energy research provider in New Zealand.