Operation Laser Kiwi: help us take New Zealand-made energy on the road
Power prices are rising, and not just because of inflation. But it’s hard to work out how to save money, if you can’t understand your bill. ... The Detail speaks to Josh Ellison, the research and development lead for Rewiring Aotearoa – a non-profit charity working to help New Zealand transition to a low-cost electrified economy. The group has recently released a report into how New Zealand homes can become more electric – and this doesn’t have to mean higher electricity prices. The key, Ellison says, is to use a mix of power from the grid with solar and and home battery (storing cheaper energy such as solar for use when that energy’s not available or more expensive). This option is becoming more attractive as prices for panels and batteries come down, but the group would like to see easier access to finance to install solar.
New Zealand has lots of renewable electricity, but still uses lots of expensive imported energy; commercial kitchens in the UK are are turning down the heat (and the toxins, and the costs, and hassle of cleaning gas hobs) by going electric; new research shows plenty of young'uns think petrol cars are akin to a landline; a solar-powered ambulance designed by Dutch students brings some 'medisun' to remote areas; 'Pic's Peanut Butter partners up with FTN Motion for a special electric motorbike; and a great website that helps us appreciate the abundance that's all around us (and the things that could be entirely normal soon).
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