Supporting the energy transition for the region
Murihiku Regeneration is committed to supporting the energy transition and decarbonisation efforts as priority focus areas within Murihiku -Southland. We already have key work underway, which includes:
• Supporting the government led Just Transitions process around future clean energy opportunities; and
• Our own kaupapa to ensure we bring in new renewable energy projects that support economic and social development.
We have been actively engaged with a number of key energy /electricity stakeholders around opportunities and issues related to this overall kaupapa/ programme -this includes with both Transpower and PowerNet to look at the opportunities around a Regional Development Plan and the potential for a Renewable Energy and Industrial Zone (REIZ) for the region. This topic was discussed by both parties at our recent energy and innovation wanangaon 24 May 2023.
About the Development Plan
Transpower and PowerNet have released a discussion document Murihiku Southland Regional Development Plan. Transpower and PowerNet are committed to facilitating an optimised transition path for decarbonisation in the Southland region. As the grid owner and operator, Transpower’s role is to understand how the transmission network might need to change to accommodate and enable this new energy future and support electrification at pace.
PowerNet as the distribution network operator for the region works together with Transpower to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient and reliable supply of electricity the homes and businesses of the Southland region. The Southland region is primed for decarbonisation. Various businesses, community groups, iwi, local and central government are looking to capitalise on the region’s abundant renewable energy resources, both to increase renewable generation and support the decarbonisation of existing industries, alongside supporting potential new growth.
Given the amount of change and the ongoing negotiations by the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) on its longer-term electricity requirements, they are scoping a Regional Development Plan for Murihiku -Southland. This approach will allow Transpower and PowerNet to take a broader planning perspective and will result in a more efficient approach to required grid and distribution network investments than a reactive, project-by-project approach.
As a result, the Regional Development Plan will seek to encapsulate the latest demand drivers, forecasts and potential new generation opportunities in the area, and will therefore need to be developed with input from a broad range of Southland stakeholders.
Murihiku Regeneration is very supportive of this proposed approach.
Why the Need for A Development Plan
Transpower and PowerNet are receiving connection requests and supporting development activities Transpower has received 23 enquiries for new generation projects in the Southland and Southern Otago regions totalling over 4,400 MW. Almost 1,200MW has progressed beyond the enquiry stage. They have also received 18 enquiries for potential non-generation connections, such as load connections for new electrified process heat 10 of these are embedded within PowerNet’s network. We are also having ongoing conversations with significant new industrial customers about their electricity load requirements for projects covering data centres, hydrogen production and process heat.
This is combined with the potential existing and future developments and connection opportunities that will contribute to jobs, economic development and support the energy transition.
Transpower and PowerNet have recently collaborated to enable added capacity at Transpower’s Gore Substation to enable electrification at Mataura Valley Milk and connection of the first stage of Kaiwera Downs windfarm. There is enough new load and generation that we know of that is looking to connect to the national grid in Southland for the need for an integrated Regional Development Plan. The lead times associated with electricity transmission and distribution investment can be significant and, considering the accelerating decarbonisation within this region, we want to increase our understanding and visibility of regional goals and aspirations.
Engagement Process
Here is a summary of the process they will be following
We want to ensure that Transpower hears from the community as its create its Regional Development Plan. Murihiku Regeneration will be supporting early discussions over the coming month. We will be seeking your input and engaging in discussions with a range of participants, parties and stakeholders to ensure that a wide view is considered. We have a workshop planned with them and key stakeholders on 17 August and we will update our comments after that meeting.
We encourage you to also reach out to them at to register your interest in being part of these discussions, and to share this document with others you know who may have an interest. Fir those of you who wish for us to represent or consider your views and inputs, please contact us at or our contact form on this website here.
We also enclose the full discussion document release for you to download here (PDF, 347.70 kB).
Key Contact Information:
• Transpower –
• Murihiku Regeneration –