Six years after being earmarked by the local Council as a focus for sustainable technologies and renewable energy, the Kāpiti Coast has been confirmed as the location for a regional Clean Technology Centre.
Clean technology refers to technologies such as solar, biofuels, water purification and renewable power generation.
The Clean Technology Centre is a joint initiative between the Kāpiti Coast District Council and Grow Wellington, the region’s economic development agency. It was given the official go ahead today, with the signing of the lease for premises in Ōtaki.
“This is a fantastic initiative which offers tremendous opportunities for Kāpiti and for the development of an emerging sector which has the potential to transform the local, regional and national economies,” said Kāpiti Mayor Jenny Rowan.
“From as far back as 2004, the Council has expressed a strong commitment to promoting and developing the Kāpiti Coast as a hub for innovative sustainable technologies. The Clean Technology Centre is an exciting first step toward achieving this vision.”
The concept of a Clean Technology Centre is a natural fit with the Centres of Excellence programme promulgated by the Wellington Regional Strategy particularly as Grow Wellington had already identified the potential for a Cleantech Centre of Excellence.
Grow Wellington CEO Nigel Kirkpatrick says, “The Centre will house clean technology companies and provide an environment for the commercialisation of research. It’s an important facility to help build exportable New Zealand-owned intellectual property and support innovation around sustainable domestic technologies some of which are already being trialled in the region.
“Another exciting aspect of this initiative is the research and skills development programmes that have the potential to link to the Centre. In addition to the six cleantech companies that have already expressed interest in joining the Centre, there’s strong engagement by research groups and tertiary institutions such as universities and polytechnics.
“There’s also the potential for international linkages, with the US, India and Italy currently looking at bringing their technology to the Centre,” he said.
The Clean Technology Centre has had significant support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. With local and central Government, the regional economic development agency, and the research, education, and business sectors all involved, Nigel Kirkpatrick says that the Cleantech project is an excellent example of the innovation community collaborating successfully to drive innovation and economic growth.
