NZ contractor wins clean energy centre contract

Taupo firm Ross Construction has been awarded the contract to build the New Zealand Clean Energy Centre. Stage one of the facility, costing in excess of $2m, will be built on land leased from Taupo District Council near the intersection of Napier Highway and the new ETA.

Designed to accommodate businesses and events involved in renewable energy, the building will be a model of energy efficiency and energy technologies and will be largely self-sustaining in power, heating, climate control, waste treatment and water supply.

The building will be the first in Taupo to be constructed to Green Star standards and, it is hoped, will set a benchmark for future buildings in the district. Construction will start immediately and completion is due in the first quarter of 2011.

A number of new businesses, including a European-based biomass company, have decided to lease space in the building both because of its features and because it represents an opportunity for collaboration with other similar entities. The majority of these firms have also agreed to supply technology for the project.

For the most part, stage one is already leased and discussions are already being held with several prospective tenants for stage two, which could be started within a year.