Positive next steps in supporting Rakiura-Stewart Island renewable energy business case
On 15 November, the Southland District Council (SDC) released an expressions of interest EOI to complete an initial business case to progress the development of a Renewable Energy Plan for Rakiura- Stewart Island that can make a substantial difference for access to reliable, secure, affordable low emissions energy for this community.
The EOI is being advertised through the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) and we want to encourage suitably qualified and interested parties to take an interest in considering to take on this important project.
The Rakiura-Stewart Island Energy Project is being overseen by a Steering Committee, which includes local community, mana whenua, central and local government and also actively supported by Murihiku Regeneration.
Rakiura taken by Michael Stevens
“We see this project as an important and highly achievable renewable energy project, which will benefit the Rakiura community, and also serve as an exemplar for other remote communities in New Zealand and the Pacific”,
“This is a priority project that we have included in our energy transition plan, and something we are happy to support. We just need to help make it happen, and ultimately it will need to be a solution that will work for the community,” says Terry Nicholas, Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.
The next stage of the EOI will be the development of an initial business case, which will bring together previous reports, undertake financial modelling and provide a next step for consideration by the Steering Group and the community. This initial work is expected to be completed early next year.
Posted: 1 December 2023