Bright ideas fund for energy-efficient hot water

An innovation fund to encourage smart innovations that will lead to the uptake of solar water heating and heat pump water heating technologies has been launched by Jeanette Fitzsimmons, Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EECA).

Under the new fund, EECA will contribute up to 50% of the cost of an approved project, with a maximum grant of $100,000. Funds will be allocated in several rounds. The first round of applications is being called during November.

“The innovation fund is there to promote fresh thinking and cutting edge approaches to generating hot water that will contribute towards a more sustainable, energy efficient New Zealand,” Fitzsimmons said.

“We're seeking to support new and bright ideas that will encourage more and wider use of solar and heat pump water heater technologies.”

Only projects that are not already covered by any of EECA’s other funding schemes are eligible.

Projects can fall under one of three categories:

• Solar water heating projects that will result in the installation of a large number of solar water heating systems, or provide industry information to support commercial decision-making.

• Heat pump water heating projects to encourage the uptake or to gather information and performance data on the technology towards further developing this industry.

• Other innovative projects to demonstrate original approaches to improving solar water heating or heat pump water heating technology and uptake.

In the November round, preference will be given to projects that have commercial applications, although subsequent rounds may have a different focus. A second round of applications is expected to take place in March-April 2008.

Irrespective of the size of the project, applications are sought from a diverse range of public or private sector organisations. This could include energy retailers and generators or line companies; water heating industry participants; local government authorities; community and charitable trusts; education organisations; design professionals or individuals.

Further information is available on www.energywise.govt.nz/solar.