Decarbonising Industry

** Please note update in room for this venue.  This event will now be held at:

G Block, Level 2, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Mokoia Drive, Tihiotonga, Rotorua **

With New Zealand transitioning towards a Net Carbon Zero energy future, identifying renewable energy options to power businesses is increasingly important for both existing industry and emerging ventures.

This Bay of Connections workshop is the first in a series to highlight options for industry to decarbonise their operations.  This workshop will focus on the availability and benefits of geothermal heat energy, also known as “geoheat”, as an option for industrial processes and production systems that require heat up to 200 degrees Celsius.  The role of geoheat in production of other renewable energy sources suitable for industrial processes will also be highlighted. Hear from existing businesses who use geoheat in their operations, as well as providers of this energy source, and make connections with individuals who can help you explore this opportunity further.

This event is suitable for business owners and managers, industry and community leaders, and others helping industry to transition to a Net Carbon Zero energy future.

Event Speakers

Craig Stephenson, Commercial Development Manager, Contact Energy Limited

Craig Stephenson is a Commercial Development Manager with Contact Energy Limited, specializing in geothermaldirect use projects in the Central North Island of New Zealand.

Contact Energy (CEN.NZ) is a publicly listed company on the New Zealand Stock Exchange NZX. They are one of New Zealand’s largest energy companies and is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. Contact operates a fleet of thermal (natural gas), hydro and geothermal power stations, and has invested over US$1.2B in renewable energy projects (primarily geothermal) over the last five years.

Bruce Smith,Co-founder of Eko 360 Smartfert™ and Tnue™

Bruce grew up on Aotearoa Station, a large sheep and beef farm in the King Country. He has a long career in agribusiness both in corporate roles, such as BASF, and in entrepreneurial ventures.

Bruce has the deep knowledge of the science around controlled released membrane technology and its application to fertiliser. By tailoring the controlled release of nitrogen fertiliser to be in line with the plant demand, the efficiency of the nitrogen is greatly increased. Therefore losses of nitrogen as greenhouse gas to the atmosphere and nitrate leaching to waterways is significantly reduced.

Brian Carey, Geothermal Resource Management Specialist, GNS Science

Brian Carey has been a Geothermal Specialist with GNS Science since 2007, and is a Mechanical Engineer by training.  Geothermal energy is a special gift that New Zealand has been endowed with and I have been privileged to be associated with, both geothermal electricity generation and Geoheat, geothermal industrial process heat.  Both of these  can contribute even more now as we move to “net zero” carbon before 2050.  The New Zealand Geothermal Association Geoheat Strategy and associated Action Plans seek to further foster the uptake of renewable low carbon geothermal energy powering industrial and large commercial enterprise.  The Strategy and plans can be accessed through nzgeoheat.nz.  I am looking forward to meeting you at the Bay of Connections Decarbonising Industry seminar.

Tea and coffee will be available from 9:30am, and there will an opportunity to connect with speakers over a light lunch afterwards.

This event is free to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is required, so be sure to register your interest in attending today!

This event has been possible with the generous support of;

Bay of Connections - www.bayofconnections.com

Bay of Connections supports sustainable economic development in the wider Bay of Plenty through collaboration and communication, thought leadership, advocacy and catalytic projects. Our vision is to enable a thriving, modern and resilient economy in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most liveable region.