'Momentous' occasion as PM offically opens $27m new energy centre
Thursday, 23 July 2020
A new name and a fresh face has breathed life into a centre which is designed to create the country’s new energy future and make it a leader on the global stage
On Thursday in New Plymouth, Ara Ake (formerly known as the National New Energy Development Centre) was officially launched by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Energy Minister Megan Woods.
It also coincided with news of the appointment of the centre’s chief executive Dr Cristiano Marantes, who moved from a role at energy company Vector to take up the position.
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Its aim is to lead the development of new clean energy technologies and work with businesses to commercialise projects and create employment.
Ardern called the launch, held at Govett Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, a “momentous” occasion and said Taranaki was at the “forefront” of the country’s future.
The invite-only audience of 150 included the three Taranaki mayors, Māori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and district councillors.
Ardern said the centre would provide a way to “power” the country’s economy as well as combat climate change.
“Importantly it also helps us meet the long-term challenge of transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” she said.
Ardern was “very confident” Ara Ake would not just be an expensive think tank and pointed to the experience of its board and their proven track record in terms of innovation.
“I am confident it will deliver commercial options for all of New Zealand, and not just Taranaki.”
Ardern said while decisions on what projects will get the green light was up to the board, it was aware there was an expectation to move quickly.
Woods said Taranaki, with the skills and knowledge the region had across the oil and gas sector, was well-placed to drive a low-emissions economy.
She said Taranaki could be a global leader in creating new energy technology and that this went beyond hydrogen.
Prior to the launch, a small group of protesters from Climate Justice Taranaki stood outside the gallery as a way to highlight its concerns about a reliance on hydrogen to provide a pathway to a low carbon future.
Woods said the centre would need to look at other options, “if we are to lead the world from Taranaki.”
“We don’t want to limit our horizons,” she said.
Portugal-born Marantes, who has worked overseas and in New Zealand and has extensive engineering experience, will move to Taranaki from Auckland for the job, which he begins in mid-August.
“I have a life-long passion for enabling a low-emissions future, through strong leadership, innovation and knowledge of new energy solutions.”
He said the centre would be a resource for existing companies and organisations to tap into but also a place where ideas will develop and grow.
National MP for New Plymouth Jonathan Young, who attended the events, also welcomed the centre’s launch.
Despite his party’s policy to overturn the coalition Government’s ban on offshore oil exploration if National was elected to run the country after the September 19 election, he would remain supportive of the new entity’s work.
Ara Ake had a national focus, but Young said it was important its work also recognised and supported the capability Taranaki already had.
“Having significant contracts awarded to Taranaki firms will not only support our local economy but will also develop an important part of our regional capability.”
Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand also supported the new venture.
'New Zealand and the world are facing some major energy challenges and opportunities. We look forward to Ara Ake playing a constructive role as we collectively respond,' its chief executive John Carnegie said.
The meaning of Ara Ake comes from joining two words which represent a new pathway and continuous progress forward.