Press Release – New Zealand Government

A panel of four experts has been chosen to consider applications to the Marine Energy Deployment Fund, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee announced today. The panel will allocate grants to projects which aim to develop and harness New Zealand’s …Hon Gerry Brownlee
Minister of Energy and Resources

16 December 2009
Media Statement

Expert panel named for marine energy fund

A panel of four experts has been chosen to consider applications to the Marine Energy Deployment Fund, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee announced today.

The panel will allocate grants to projects which aim to develop and harness New Zealand’s tidal and wave technology.

“This country has enormous potential to create renewable electricity generation from its oceans,” says Mr Brownlee.

“It’s vital we have the right mix of people on board with the vision to help new projects get off the ground and capitalise on our natural resources.”

The four panellists include:

• Nick Barneveld, Investment Services Executive, PB New Zealand Ltd
• Tony Carter, Managing Director, Foodstuffs (New Zealand) Ltd
• Emily Rudkin, Renewable Energy Specialist, MWH New Zealand Ltd
• Andrew Thompson, South Island Commercial Manager, Fulton Hogan Ltd.

“Bringing on the development of our marine energy industry opens up a number of possibilities for the wider energy sector. Technological advances are being made continually and it’s to our advantage to stay at the forefront of these as we explore the potential of the country’s waters,” says Mr Brownlee.

The Marine Energy Deployment Fund was set up through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority in 2008 to allocate grants over a four-year period. Projects granted funding will provide insights into the performance of marine technology in New Zealand’s environment. Two rounds of funding have been completed, with third-round funding recipients due to be announced by July 2010.

For further information on the Marine Energy Deployment Fund, see
www.eeca.govt.nz/marine-energy-fund.

Background information on panellists

Nick Barneveld

Nick Barneveld has 27 years experience in the New Zealand electricity sector and is currently Investment Services Executive for PB New Zealand Ltd, where he manages a team specialising in project development. His team is working on a range of projects including thermal generation and renewable energy. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer.

Tony Carter

Tony Carter is the Managing Director of Foodstuffs (New Zealand) Ltd, and is an independent director of Vector Ltd, involved in the electricity and gas industries. Previously he was a director and chairman of Mitre 10 New Zealand Ltd. He has expert knowledge of corporate governance and commercial management, supported by an engineering background, including a Master’s degree in engineering.

Emily Rudkin

Emily Rudkin is a Renewable Energy Specialist with MWH New Zealand Ltd. She is a Chartered Energy Engineer, with a background in mechanical engineering and renewable energy. She has been involved with a large number of sustainable energy projects in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, including wave and tidal energy projects. In Scotland she worked with national and local government authorities to support the commercialisation of marine energy devices and the development of the industry.

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson is the Commercial Manager, South Island, for Fulton Hogan Ltd. He was previously employed by Mainpower, where he was Business Development Manager, implementing a strategy for the company to actively develop renewable generation in the Mainpower region. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and has a Masters degree in Business Administration.

ENDS

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