Otago Daily Times

Forget hydrogen, Govt advised

- NONA PELLETIER

AUCKLAND: The Government should stop focusing on unproven hydrogen energy technology to tackle climate change, says an expert.

Canterbury University professor of mechanical engineerin­g Susan Krumdieck said the Government was enthusiast­ic about the developmen­t of green hydrogen, but it was a waste of time and money.

Green hydrogen is a potential future vehicle fuel that would be produced by the electrolys­is of water using renewable electricit­y, and has been touted for its potential to help reduce carbon emissions.

Krumdieck said a national energy strategy was needed.

Proven technologi­es could be used to meet New Zealand's zero carbon goal by 2050 — and address transport needs at the same time, she said.

Energy Minister Megan Woods has said green hydrogen production could be a replacemen­t industry after the Tiwai smelter is closed.

Manapouri hydroelect­ric power station was built to support Tiwai smelter, which is the country’s largest single consumer of power.

Krumdieck said surplus energy from Manapouri should be used to develop a national transport system, starting from Invercargi­ll and extending throughout the South Island, before crossing Cook Strait.

KiwiRail could be a key part of the developmen­t, which would provide thousands of jobs.

‘‘The South Island becomes a net zero [carbon] island, one of the first ones in the world,’’ Krumdieck said.

‘‘We have the capability in New Zealand to beef up our rail engineerin­g and our power electric power engineerin­g for transport.’’

She said it would take about 10 years to electrify the South Island's transport network. — RNZ

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