Energy
New Thinking
Scion: Pathway to biofuels through forests
Energy from forests is one of New Zealand's best options for producing its own biofuels is the conclusion of Scion's second "Bioenergy Options for New Zealand" report.
IRL young scientist selected for Nobel Laureate meeting
A young researcher at Industrial Research is one of only two New Zealand students selected to attend a prestigious meeting in Germany which brings together Nobel prize winners with young scientists.
Pining for oil
Scion, the Crown Research Institute, says New Zealand’s forestry looks good as a sustainable resource for renewable fuels at US$60 per barrel. Technology and policy settings are vital.
Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality
Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.
IRL spin-off company wins award
HTS-110 Ltd, a company specialising in high temperature superconducting solutions, has won the ‘Start up Exporter of the Year’ category at the Gen-i New Zealand Incubators Awards in Auckland.
Hydrogen-powered economy on the way?
NIWA is involved in a joint-venture project mapping out how the heavily hyped "hydrogen economy" can become a reality in NZ.
International scientists probe seafloor methane deposits
A multi-national team sets sail to investigate methane deposits beneath New Zealand's seafloor.
I'll huff and I'll puff...
Household-scale wind generators may soon be powering your home. Industrial Research scientists are backing rising public enthusiasm for alternative energy sources such as wind.
Biofuels fuel debate about benefits
A Crop and Food research scientist has joined the debate on the economic benefits of biofuels, which are not as evident as might first appear.
New Science
Making waves work
A uniquely ‘Kiwi’ wave energy generator developed by WET-NZ – a partnership between Industrial Research Limited (IRL), and NIWA, and the Wellington power consultancy Power Projects Limited (PPL) is harnessing the power of waves in Evans Bay, Wellington.
Push for wider use of low temperature geothermal energy
Energy from 'low temperature' geothermal sources is a huge and largely untapped resource. A new research programme led by GNS Science is designed to make this form of energy more accessible.
Wave energy converter on trial off Christchurch coast
An Industrial Research collaborative wave energy converter is generating ripples of interest as it undergoes sea trials off Taylor's Mistake..
Get ready for the hydrogen economy
CRL Energy, a NIWA subsidiary, is working on the final stage of technology to convert NZ's low-rank coal into high-purity hydrogen for fuel cells developed by IRL.
Study shows wood pellet burners improve air quality in Rotorua
With nightly winter fires nearly over for 2007, Rotorua home owners are being urged to consider switching to clean burning wood pellet burners before next winter. A study carried out by Crown Research Institute Scion has shown that using pellets, rather than wood, could significantly cut emissions of PM10 and help improve air quality in the city.
Breakthrough cryocooler could transform HTS industry
Scientists at Industrial Research have produced a breakthrough industrialised cryogenic refrigerator, or cryocooler, that is set to have a major impact on the HTS industry.
Riding the ocean waves..
The successful launch of an experimental wave energy converter involving a partnership between IRL, NIWA and Power Projects Ltd has paved the way for a pre-commercial device to be operating within 18 months.
Sea reveals new energy source
NIWA scientists searching for exotic life forms living around seafloor methane seeps have also recovered chunks of frozen methane from along the edge of the continental shelf.
Ethanol - fuel for the future
Early indications from a 12 month trial commissioned by the US Dept of Defence and operated by Industrial Research are that renewable ethanol could be superior to methanol as a transport fuel and in large scale fuel cells.
New Value
Breakthrough cable opens door to HTS market
Industrial Research has come up with a process to turn fragile HTS wire into robust cable and opened the way for the wider application of HTS in industry...
New Zealand research expertise sought at international renewable energy conference
Dr Tom Richardson, chief executive of Crown Research Institute Scion, is this week presenting New Zealand research into the role of forestry in producing renewable energy, at the U.S. Government hosted Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008).
NZ dairy farms losing advantage over EU
New Zealand dairy farms are slipping in terms of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas efficiency, and urgently need to focus on improved farm practices and intensification options to reverse the trend.
Wave energy device hits the water
A new wave-energy device has been undergoing sea trials in Lyttleton Harbour, watched closely be designers from NIWA, IRL, & Power Projects Ltd.
Alternative power catches on
A small community of farmers in Manawatu is trialling what's believed to be a world first energy project that could change the way power is supplied to rural homes, and soon to those in the city.
Distributed energy project a first for rural communities
Industrial Research and Massey University are collaborating on a world-first energy research project that could change the way remote rural communities around New Zealand get their power supply..
Geothermal energy to contribute more
Geothermal energy looks set to contribute more electricity to the national grid thanks to GNS Science research initiatives aimed at increasing production from New Zealand’s geothermal areas.
Lightweight generator a world first
A ground-breaking lightweight and portable generator developed by Industrial Research affiliate HTS 110 Ltd could offer huge advantages for emergency power supply.
