Speaker: Jen Purdie

Meridian Energy

Electricity underpins every facet of New Zealander’s lives, and has national social and economic significance for the country. Significant changes are expected in both the demand and supply sides of electricity under climate change. Rainfall is projected to get higher in the largest New Zealand hydro-electricity catchments over coming decades, and wind to get stronger over much of the country.  Changes to the seasonality and volatility of hydro lake inflows are expected.

The Interim Climate Change Committee has called for New Zealand to work towards a high proportion of renewable energy and the accelerated electrification of transport and industry. But is this possible?

This seminar will discuss in depth modelling of the NZ electricity system over the next 30 years, given the changes expected to wind and hydro lake inflows.  It will examine whether high proportions of renewable generation are possible, and whether electricity can be the “enabler” of decarbonisation through the electrification of our transport and industrial sectors.

Dr Jen Purdie is a climate and energy modeller, working for Meridian Energy. She is also a Victoria University Adjunct research fellow.