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Wairarapa is the place to be this week, writes Rewiring Aotearoa's ecosystem lead Jay Salzke. The Electrify Wairarapa Conference and Expo is kicking off in Masterton on the 22nd-23rd November and anyone interested in learning more about the massive electrification opportunity in front of local businesses, farms, vineyards, orchards, schools, community centres and homes across the region should be there.
When a household electrifies, they open up a range of financial, health and environmental benefits. When a community electrifies, that impact can be exponential: lower emissions, cleaner air, a supported local economy and more collective power.
That’s why we’re thrilled to see community members in Wairarapa take up the call and organise Electrify Wairarapa, a two-day event taking place on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November focused on electrification education and inspiration. It’s a prime example of the sort of ground up movement that is needed to see electrification uptake increase nationwide.
The Electrify Wairarapa Conference and Expo will showcase the electrification opportunity for businesses, farms, vineyards, orchards, schools, community centres and homes across Wairarapa.
On the Friday, the ticketed conference (get yours here) will outline the economic, environmental, and social benefits of electrification. Speakers include Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist at the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, who will discuss the feasibility of a 100% renewable future for New Zealand; Jamie Silk, Community Energy Expert at Silk Innovations, who will provide practical advice on transitioning to an electrified lifestyle; and Mike Casey, CE of Rewiring Aotearoa, who will share his journey of creating the world’s first electric cherry orchard.
Discussing the opportunities for Wairarapa infrastructure are Prof. Emeritus Ralph Sims from Massey University, who will speak about the need to reduce carbon emissions and the co-benefits that come with that; Murray Bell, Group Manager Policy and Regulation at EECA, who will explore the latest innovations in energy-efficient building design; and James Howard, Senior Projects Manager at Tranzit Group, who will discuss electrifying local transport networks.
Gareth Sinton, Principal of Douglas Park Primary School, will share his experience with installing solar panels on large buildings, and Daniel Gnoth, Energy Futures Manager at Powerco, will discuss infrastructure challenges and opportunities.
During the second half of the day, the focus will shift to opportunities for businesses in Wairarapa. Prof Alan Brent from Victoria University will discuss the benefits of small and medium-scale solar arrays for farming operations; Garry Peek, CEO of PEEK Robotics, will showcase the potential of electric farm machinery; Jonny Parker, CEO of ThunderGrid, will discuss the role of large portable battery solutions in charging EVs; and Tony Pearson, Managing Director of Tecnico, will highlight the advantages of combining wind and solar power.
Rounding out the day is John Prendergast, CEO of Trust House, who will discuss the implications of electrification for landlords and tenants; Chloe Kwak from ASB will delve into green loans and financing emissions reduction, CEO of Tū Mai Rā Energy, Matiu Taurau, will explore the Papakāinga model’s applicability in community energy supply; and Jonny Parker will wrap up the conference by discussing the role of EVs in increasing resilience when the lights go out.
The following day, over 20 exhibitors will showcase examples of the technologies available right now to electrify your home and community, from solar panels and wind turbines to hybrid and electric vehicles, home appliances, robotic equipment, electric farm machinery, and batteries. Exhibitors will also be sharing information about careers opportunities in the energy transition.
This is a great opportunity for members of the Wairarapa community - and those slightly further afield - to learn more about electrification and how they can get involved. Whether you're looking to lower your bills, increase your self-sufficiency, contribute to a low emissions future or help your community, join the local movement and head along to the Electrify Wairarapa Conference and Expo.
If you've got solar, the best option is to use as much of it as possible to avoid high grid prices, but being paid to export energy is a nice cherry on top. It means many New Zealanders end up getting paid by their power company and shorten the payback period of their systems. Regulatory changes that meant customers would be paid more for exporting at peak times were meant to make batteries more appealing to customers and reduce the need for more investment in expensive poles and wires, but, as Marc Daalder writes in Newsroom, some retailers are not passing on the full value of those exports.
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