Funding for early adopter energy-savers

Early adopters of new technology that cuts energy use or carbon emissions can get support for their innovative project from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

EECA supports energy saving or renewable energy technology that has yet to be widely adopted in New Zealand. 
“We are looking to support technology that is innovative, under-utilised or has not been applied in the New Zealand environment,” says EECA Project Manager, Dinesh Chand.
“Pioneering projects that can be replicated by other companies so that energy savings go beyond the innovator.”
Funding for both capital and showcasing the technology can cover up to 40 percent of the project costs to a maximum of $100,000.
The Technology Demonstration Programme is part of EECA’s work with business to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.
To qualify for funding, projects must reduce energy intensity or greenhouse gas emissions, be applicable to multiple businesses in a sector, and must be financially viable, with a reasonable payback period.
A standout project from the previous funding round was Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL), which received funding to install LED floodlighting, the first New Zealand port to do so.
While LED lighting has been around for some time, the lighting intensity and reliability suitable to the harsh port environment had not been up to the mark.
“We can’t wait to demonstrate the effectiveness of LED floodlighting at our port,” said Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson, who has set the goal of POAL becoming New Zealand’s most sustainable port.
Businesses wishing to apply for funding to develop a demonstration project can do so either through a technology supplier registered with EECA or through the application form on the EECA Business website: www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/funding-and-support/