Science Centres: Energy

NIWA GM Energy, Murray Poulter, with Doug Watson and Roger Keedwell of Fonterra. (Photo: Alan Blacklock, NIWA)

The New Zealand EnergyScape project will create a data framework which relates key parameters (e.g., cost, risk, greenhouse gas emissions) across the entire New Zealand energy network. Users will then have a tool to forecast the impacts of given policy measures, such as comparing the effects of an energy future dominated by carbon sequestration and biofuels, with a future dominated heavily by renewable electricity and electric cars.

EnergyScape is well underway. The team has collated and verified much of the resource and demand characteristics of the New Zealand energy system. These data are largely being captured in a series of interlinked maps showing the location and size of energy demand, resources, infrastructure, and constraints on supply. This brings together disparate information and displays it clearly for nonspecialists.

A ‘Situation Analysis Report’, identifying practical or preferred options for the future, will be published later this year.

EnergyScape is the first major undertaking of a new alliance of five key energy research providers: NIWA, CRL Energy, Scion, GNS Science, and Industrial Research Ltd. It is funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology.

To contact the EnergyScape team: energyscape@niwa.co.nz

EFNZ/CRL Energy Seminar Series

The Energy Federation of New Zealand and CRL Energy organise regular seminars on energy issues. Enjoy a light lunch and networking, followed by a high profile New Zealand or overseas speaker.

To join the electronic mailing list for seminar announcements, contact:

Cito Gazo, c.gazo@crl.co.nz,
phone 04-570 3712, or fax 04-570 3701.
www.energyfed.org.nz