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Latest transport funding invests in clean marine

Around 19 innovative transport projects, including an electric hydrofoil ferry are part of the latest rounds of Low Emission Transport Fund funding from the Government.

Energy and Resources Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods confirmed the projects, which also include the country’s first electric 90-tonne dump truck, and a road construction crew using zero-emissions equipment.

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“Whilst electric cars are taking off, a significant amount of fossil fuels are used in marine and off-road settings and are seen as areas that are harder to decarbonise,” says Woods.

“These projects will prove the potential of electrification and other low-emissions technology. This kind of backing de-risks projects like these so there is more and faster uptake of similar technology.”

The Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA, supports the demonstration and adoption of low-emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector.

The Fund will focus on activities in the transport sector that move people and/or goods on roads, off-road, and in the marine and aviation sectors.

The 19 projects are from two LETF rounds covering the maritime sector, as well as off-road equipment and technology. A total of $6.4 million in Government funding will leverage $18.2 million in applicant investment.

“Each year, the maritime and off-road sectors together use an estimated 1.6 billion litres of petrol and diesel accounting for around 13 percent of our total energy-related greenhouse gas emissions,” Woods says.

“Reducing emissions in these areas is vital, not just to meet our emissions targets and tackle climate change, but we’ll also reap significant co-benefits, especially in the marine sector.

“Our oceans, lakes and rivers are taonga, so everything we do to reduce pollution on the water will let us continue to enjoy it with minimal harm.”

 

Photography: Fullers360

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