“This Green Energy Pod is a model for the future,” says Hutt Valley Chamber President Helen Down who chairs the Technology Valley Development Group.
“The pod was developed by public and private enterprises working together to find a new solution to sustainable energy.
It was produced by ESG Energy of Lower Hutt using a mix of proven international technology and new generation hardware from IRL.
The unit generates electricity using wind and solar panels which interact with water through an electrolyser developed by IRL to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
IRL research scientist Robert Holt says the energy produced would be sufficient to sustain three families.
“The plan is to use energy generated by the pod to cook a fish BBQ for the Pacific Leaders to demonstrate the technology,” he says.
Mayor Ray Wallace says Lower Hutt is leading the way in creating new opportunities that will generate an economic benefit for the city and for New Zealand.
The project will help commercialisation of the product (being shown in markets where energy use is a key issue) and create and build awareness of not just the product itself but also Hutt City and local businesses who have contributed to the Pod development and content.
Pictured at the packing up of the green energy pod before shipping to Rarotonga are, from left, Dennis Hill, Director Ventech, Tony Pearson, General Manager, Tecnico, Adrian Gregory, General Manager, Science and Technology, Grow Wellington, Helen Down, President Hutt Valley Chamber, Robert Holt, Research Scientist, IRL, Curtis Reid, General Manager, Energy, ESG Asia Pacific.