New Zealand-German Energy Dialogue

2023 saw continued progress in the energy dialogue between Germany and New Zealand, complementing developments in policy, business, and research to advance both countries' energy transitions. 

Conversation on offshore wind continues 

Offshore wind is poised for future development to bolster renewable generation in New Zealand as Germany also plans for substantial expansion. The Energy Dialogue hosted two virtual workshops in June, focusing discussions on supply chains, capabilities, and the potential role of offshore wind in hydrogen production. Drawing insights from Germany's industry evolution offers a valuable perspective as New Zealand establishes its regulatory framework and industry. Both countries face shared opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning supply chain limitations and capability gaps to meet ambitious targets.  

Hydrogen remains a focus topic  

Offshore wind is only one of the renewable resources primed in both Germany and New Zealand for hydrogen production. Whereas Germany will not be able to meet its domestic hydrogen demand, New Zealand has many ingredients for a potential green hydrogen export industry. Virtual sessions on developments around EU standards for renewable hydrogen in March, a keynote from BMWK Director-General Christian Maaß at the H2 2 Zero Summit on Germany’s hydrogen ambitions in September, and many one-on-one conversations throughout the year deepened the exchange and fostered connections. 

Geothermal energy’s role in decarbonising power and heat 

While the use of geothermal energy has been an important pillar of New Zealand’s energy sector for many decades, its role in Germany has so far been comparably smaller. Recently, there has been a notable uptick in interest though and a virtual workshop convened stakeholders to exchange on current developments. New Zealand's pioneering efforts in CO2 capture and reinjection to mitigate emissions from geothermal utilization were only one prime example of the opportunities to learn from each other. Similarly, German advancements in modern drilling technologies and underground resource surveying processes offered valuable knowledge exchange. 

Governments confirm high interest in future cooperation 

The enduring commitment to further collaboration was underscored during a ministerial meeting held among Government representatives in Wellington in November. Many topics were deliberated upon, presenting ample opportunities for future cooperation. Presently, the priorities of the newly elected New Zealand Government are beginning to take shape. 

Outlook to 2024 

A major milestone in 2024 will be the release of a study to identify promising opportunities for collaboration in the broad area of decarbonising industrial sectors. Following this milestone, efforts will be directed towards implementing the recommended initiatives. Hydrogen is set to remain a central topic. Additional focus areas will shape up in accordance with developments throughout the year.