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Port wins electric grants

EECA co-funding will show how critical link in the supply chain can be electrified.
Posted on 13 September, 2024
Port wins electric grants

Port of Auckland Ltd (POAL) and Wellington’s CentrePort have each received $500,000 in co-funding for an electric empty container handler (ECH) and associated on-site charging infrastructure.

Their successful applications to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will allow them to demonstrate to others around New Zealand, and shareholders, how a critical link in the supply chain can be electrified with safe, reliable technology.

Richard Briggs, pictured, is EECA’s general manager of delivery and partnerships.

He says: “With no electric ECHs in New Zealand and only a few in Australia, integrating these pieces of equipment into daily operations will give confidence to the sector as well as help develop zero-emissions supply chains, integrating with other electric-powered equipment and vehicles.”

POAL estimates replacing one of its diesel ECHs with an electric model will reduce the port’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 670,977kg of carbon-dioxide equivalent over 10 years.

A total of $3.3 million has been allocated in round 13 of the low emission transport fund overseen by EECA, leveraging $6.7m in private funding. 

Other successful projects include a large-scale bus depot charging system, electric-trailer axle technology, electric digger technology and battery storage rapid EV charging infrastructure with the potential to earn revenue through trading on the energy market.

The electrification of off-road equipment presents a major emissions reduction opportunity for New Zealand. Each year, around one billion litres of diesel is burnt in off-road machines – almost 30 per cent of all diesel used nationwide.

Businesses trialling these electric machines are reporting lower operating costs, fewer maintenance needs, improved performance and happy drivers.