An Investigation into the Possible Reasons for Slow Uptake of Marine Energy Project Development and Utilization in New Zealand
Published in The Third NZAAR International Event Series on Natural and Built Environment, Cities, Sustainability and Advanced Engineering, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15 July 2017, pages 116 to 127. New Zealand Academy of Applied Research. ISSN 2463-5979 (online), 2463-5960 (print). Indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, Conference Proceedings Citation Index (Clarivate).
Abstract
In this paper, we aim to investigate the possible reasons for slow uptake of marine renewable project developments and utilization in island country like New-Zealand. New-Zealand sources its electricity for primary consumption majorly from renewable sources of energy. Out of the 81% of renewable energy production, 57% is contributed from hydropower generation plants. In the past years, hydropower plants have reached saturation point and the government must invest into other forms of energy to achieve its target of sourcing 90% energy from renewable sources. One such source identified was marine energy, but out of the 6 projects finalized, none ever progressed. After intense literature review and interviews, it was clear that before investing into such projects, having countries own research Centre is very important. It would not only provide skilled manpower but also locally develop market to assist faster project developments. Communication is another parameter identified under social impact as a barrier towards marine energy developments in New-Zealand.
Keywords: Marine Energy; Renewable source of energy; Barriers
Rights
Copyright © New Zealand Academy of Applied Research Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduced in the GDI Academy archive from the original proceedings without change to the authors’ text.