Wrapping up 2023
Certified Energy celebrates a year marked by strong activity and growth!
During 2023, over 120 additional energy users registered on the NZECS. These energy users represent a diverse spectrum of enterprises, from small businesses to large corporates coming from a widespread array of industries, domestic and international. The inclusive and voluntary nature of the NZECS enables energy users to play a crucial role in shaping New Zealand's renewable energy future - sending a clear message to generators and market regulators for less fossil-fuel energy use and production.
The volume of NZ-ECs transacted has surged by over 70%, significantly impacting the carbon intensity of the RSM, nearly doubling its effect from the previous year.
We’ve observed noteworthy trends including increased RFP activities requesting energy certificates, and the emergence of longer-term enduring relationships between generators and energy users. We’ve also witnessed a greater level of engagement at both ends of the market: from smaller-scale renewable generators leveraging revenue from NZ-ECs for self-sustained growth, through to large corporates utilising the NZECS to support Aotearoa’s renewable energy development.
Our team has doubled in size, welcoming professionals with diverse expertise in carbon, climate change and electricity, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge to our commitment to accelerate NZ’s energy transition in line with our national emission reduction targets.
We’ve kept the NZECS at the forefront of market developments and users’ needs, including further developing the renewable gas methodology and updating the NZECS rules. Certification and tracking of renewable gas is expected to begin in the New Year, and new registry functionalities will soon launch for a simplified user experience.
Certified Energy has also expanded its industry engagement, contributing to major events throughout the year, becoming a proud silver partner of the Carbon and Energy Professionals (CEP), and nurturing a continued partnership with the Business Energy Council (BEC). Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate further collaboration with our networks.
Crafted specifically to address the unique characteristics of the New Zealand energy landscape, the purpose of the NZECS is to support and promote impactful renewable energy procurement across Aotearoa. Each contribution to energy certification champions renewable and zero-carbon energy in New Zealand. Together, let's continue to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable energy future. Thank you for being part of our journey. We wish you a happy and relaxing summer break and look forward to reconnecting in 2024!
Tim Middlehurst, Executive Director
Focus on Shaun Goldsbury, our new CEO
Please meet Shaun Goldsbury, Certified Energy’s new Chief Executive Officer.
As Tim Middlehurst is moving to an Executive Director role keeping busy developing the company’s strategic direction, Shaun will be responsible for the major corporate decisions, providing overall direction and leadership.
With 15 years of experience in the electricity industry, including roles at Trust Power and Genesis Energy - where he served as Chief Trading Officer in his most recent role - Shaun brings a wealth of knowledge. Over the last two years, he has focused on consulting, providing expertise on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and trading advice for small retailers.
Shaun's association with Certified Energy dates back to its inception, having been a customer and supporter of the NZECS during his tenure at Genesis. "I'm thrilled to be joining Certified Energy full time to contribute to the company's growth. Initially, my focus will be on enhancing the impact assessment of NZ-ECs in the wholesale market, simplifying NZ-EC tracking, and increasing our market visibility."
Welcome aboard, Shaun! We're thrilled to have you on the team.
Welcome to NZ Windfarms!
We are very pleased to welcome NZ Windfarms in the NZECS registry!
NZ Windfarms is a long term specialist wind farm owner and operator, with its revenue coming from the sale of sustainably generated electricity from its Te Rere Hau wind farm.
The Te Rere Hau wind farm is located on North Range Road in the Tararua Ranges outside of Palmerston North. The area is widely acknowledged as one of the best wind resources in the world. The wind farm has 91 turbines with a nameplate capacity of 45.5 MW producing sufficient renewable electricity to power approximately 16,000 households or in excess of half the households in Palmerston North.
Dedicated to advancing renewable energy developments, NZ Windfarms' income from renewable energy certificates is reinvested back into their development pipeline. NZ Windfarms current focus includes an exciting project to repower its Te Rere Hau wind farm, in partnership with Meridian Energy, and to pioneer the development of new greenfield wind farm sites.
Congratulations to Lodestone Energy!
Last month, Lodestone Energy, New Zealand’s first utility-scale solar farm, Registrant on the NZECS, started generating electricity at its farm in Kaitāia.
With more than 61,000 solar panels installed, the farm will generate 55 GWh of power annually and is earmarked for residential and commercial energy consumers; most notably The Warehouse Group who has signed up more than 260 sites to Lodestone’s phase 1 portfolio.
Lodestone Energy takes pride in pioneering the nation’s large-scale solar industry. They use NZ-EC income to assist in financing more utility scale solar farms. Their developments located in Kaitāia, Edgecumbe, Waiotahe Valley, Whitianga and Dargaville are just the beginning!
Let's get technical: How do PPAs and the NZECS work together?
In this edition, we explain how corporate energy users can optimise their Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the use of the New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS) in order to fulfil their emissions reduction targets, while catalysing a broader influence on NZ’s energy sector decarbonisation as a whole. To access the explainer, please click here.
Happy holidays from the team!
As we continue to grow and evolve, we're eager to introduce you to the incredible individuals who make up our dynamic team at Certified Energy. Each member brings a unique set of skills, passion, and dedication to our shared mission.
From left to right: Tim Middlehurst (Executive Director), Emily Laing (Head of Strategy), Tim Street (General Manager - Operations), Andrew Chilton (Head of Software), Delphine David (Head of Partnerships), Shaun Goldsbury (Chief Executive Officer), Laura Ferrier (Senior Market & Operations Specialist), and Rose Worthington (Organisational Performance Manager).
Meri Kirihimete to you all! May this holiday season bring you warmth, happiness, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Our team looks forward to the upcoming year with renewed enthusiasm, anticipating more opportunities to assist you.
Office Hours over the Summer Break
Our offices are closed from 5pm Thursday 21 December, reopening on Monday 8 January 2024. During the close down period you can still get hold of us at contact@nzecs.co.nz. Kindly note that our response time during this period may be slightly longer than usual.