The next $46 million round of the government’s Community Renewable Energy Fund will see $6.5 million used to develop solar energy systems for community buildings.
This funding branch will be directed at regions impacted by events like Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Floods, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa.
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said buildings being considered are “key community buildings” used as hubs in recent severe weather events.
“We’ve seen just how important it is for communities to rally together in major events,” Woods said.
“By installing solar energy systems on key buildings in communities, particularly in more remote areas, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.”
A minimum of 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response to the North Island’s severe weather events will be fitted with solar and battery systems.
The community buildings could include marae, places of worship, halls, and schools used as community hubs, following Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods.
From mid-2024, $27 million in funding will be available to help communities deliver a mix of energy resilience projects and community energy scheme opportunities across New Zealand.
A spokesperson for Woods said suitable community buildings are currently being identified and prioritised in collaboration with government agencies, and local groups.
“A MBIE-coordinated cross-agency assessment panel will then select prioritised buildings for funding.”
This selection process was estimated to be finished in December this year, and projects completed by December 2024.
Councils have emergency centers already as required by health & safety 🙄. These centers will have a solar system and a battery funded by government, not rate payers. I’m not convinced rate payers will pay for servicing and maintenance. With everything going up government uses tax money for this green energy project and add another burden to rate payers. The emergency centers already have generators ? Crazy 🤪 invromentilist on the green wagon with this government 😳 🤔.