Environment
We take environmental sustainability very seriously and safeguarding our environment for the benefit of future generations is a key part of our long-term commitment to meeting our country's energy needs.
Business initiatives on sustainability, increased investment in renewable energy development and a strong commitment to improving energy efficiency across the Todd Energy group all contribute to our plans to meet the future energy needs of our customers and country.
Investing in renewable energy
A significant proportion of Todd Energy’s electricity production is based on hydro and geothermal generation that harnesses fully renewable energy sources to meet the needs of our customers.
Continued investment in existing facilities allows increased efficiency and maximum output to be achieved from existing energy sources. For example, although the Mangahao power station near Shannon was first commissioned in 1924, the construction of an additional mini-hydro plant in 2004 allowed water that was previously spilled to produce an additional 10GWh of electricity – enough to power around 1,250 households.
Solar Hot Water Heating
More recently through our Nova Energy solar division we have designed and are now producing the new SolarElite solar hot water heating panel. These panels offer world class solar water heating performance, are independently AS/NZS 2712:2007 quality certified and are backed by a 7 year warranty. By harnessing the sun’s free energy, every installed solar panel cuts New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 1.4 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Todd Energy and its retail company, Nova Energy are helping more Kiwis go solar. People can buy a SolarElite hot water heating system and pay for it via their monthly energy bill. A large part of the purchase price is offset by the energy savings they make from solar hot water heating, plus a $1000 Residential Solar Grant is available via the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.
Turning greenhouse gas into energy
Todd Energy subsidiary, Nova Energy, pioneered collection of methane from landfills in New Zealand. This gas is a natural by-product of the landfill process and includes methane – a harmful greenhouse pollutant. Utilising this methane at landfill sites not only has the environmental benefit of keeping it out of the atmosphere but also allows a previously wasted resource to be converted into a useable energy source.
Todd Energy continues to invest in systems to capture and harness landfill gas to power local business – either as a substitute for natural gas or for onsite electricity generation.
Working towards a sustainable future
Further renewable energy projects in progress or being evaluated include a hydro project on the upper Kaituna River, a number of potential wind-farms and investigations into new tidal-generation technologies. Where practical, Todd Energy generation is located close to where the energy is used to minimise transmission losses and the need for costly new transmission lines. Todd Energy’s commitment to a sustainable energy supply for future generations is underpinned by a strong focus on ensuring our customers use the best technology, best practices and most appropriate energy sources for maximum efficiency.
Tidal Turbine Energy Project
In July 2009 Todd Energy announced a 30% shareholding in tidal power plant company, Crest Energy. Together the companies are working on a proposed tidal electricity generation farm (an array of subsurface turbines) at the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour in northern New Zealand. The project has the potential to lead the world in the commercialisation of tidal power, which is clean, silent and sustainable, and will make a substantial contribution to the nation's electricity needs. Once the project is fully implemented, the tidal farm's peak output is anticipated to be of the order of 200 MW, sufficient to power approximately 75,000 homes a year by harnessing the power of the tidal flows in to and out of the Kaipara Harbour. The project will contribute approx 3% of New Zealand's electricity supply. An interim decision of the Environment Court in December 2009 indicated a possible positive recommendation for the project subject to some additional fact finding and the preparation and approval of an Environmental Monitoring Plan.
For further information visit Crest Energy