Taranaki celebrated the official launch of the new National Energy Development Centre, Ara Ake by the Prime Minister RT Hon Jacinda Ardern and Energy and Resources Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods.
Are Ake was launched yesterday as its own legal entity, after the establishment project was successfully delivered by the Venture Taranaki on time, and on budget. This exciting step is the result of years of ideation, development and planning with input from a broad range of stakeholders. Many in the region and outside have played a part in the development of Ara Ake, and securing this significant investment for the Taranaki region.
The announcement highlights the important role Taranaki will play as an energy leader, and further reinforces the importance of unlocking green hydrogen to provide sustainable, low emission energy solutions for New Zealand and its future generations.
Combined with the public and private sector clean infrastructure and H2 Taranaki projects identified in the H2 Taranaki roadmap, Ara Ake will help to provide on-going job creation and economic support in the energy and innovation sectors.
Ara Ake will reside here in Taranaki, and will become an institution of national importance, playing an integral role in New Zealand's science and innovation system. Ara Ake will leverage the skills and talent in the region and build new capability in the commercialisation of low emission technologies that will create meaningful skilled jobs.
Hiringa Energy is proud to have been part of helping to shape that strategy and looks forward to the growth of the Centre that will fill a critical role in our region's future.
Hiringa Energy Chairperson, Cathy Clennett, and member of the establishment steering committee says, “This is a wonderful step for Taranaki and New Zealand. Ara Ake will fill an important role in the innovation eco-system for low carbon technologies that often struggle to bridge the valley of death. Taranaki’s integrated energy eco-system is a perfect location to pilot and commercialise new low emission technologies.”
We congratulate Venture Taranaki and the establishment team who have worked tirelessly with MBIE to deliver this project, and welcome the new CEO, Dr Cristiano Marantes and the new Board members who will lead Ara Ake into the future, and we look forward to working with Ara Ake to realise this promise for our region and New Zealand for generations to come.
You can learn more about Ara Ake in the video below: