Renewable energy fund to support community resilience

About 40 solar energy systems will go on community buildings which supported emergency responses in North Island regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events

They will be fitted with solar and battery systems to boost community resilience, says energy and resources minister Megan Woods.

“As the next round of $46 million Community Renewable Energy Fund gets underway $6.5 million is going towards solar energy systems on key community buildings in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti (Gisborne), Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa,” she explains.

“The community buildings could include marae, places of worship and halls or some schools used as community hubs following Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods.

“We’ve seen just how important it is for communities to rally together in major events. By installing solar energy systems on key buildings in communities, particularly in more remote areas, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Woods says barriers exist in getting these types of projects off the ground.

“That’s why alongside funding we are setting up a capability-building hub to help communities address barriers and help create robust, informed plans to take their projects forward.”

From mid-2024, $27 million in funding will be available to help communities deliver a mix of energy resilience projects, ranging in scale and complexity, and bespoke community energy scheme opportunities across New Zealand.

A small amount of funding was released in May this year to support five solar energy projects on community housing.

Click here for information on these projects.