Further funding will allow 127 more EVs to be added to the state sector fleet (now with nearly 600 EVs), along with associated charging infrastructure.
Climate change minister James Shaw has allocated another $13.2 million from the Government’s $220 million State Sector Decarbonisation Fund to purchase the EVs, install LED lighting, and replace chillers and coal boilers with cleaner alternatives.
The latest projects include $1.553 million for the Ministry for Primary Industries in Wellington to purchase 52 EVs and charging infrastructure (the ministry providing $1.707m), $1.866m for Auckland’s Waitemata District Health Board to purchase 72 EVs and install charging infrastructure (plus $1.866m from the DHB’s budget), and $105,000 for the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki to buy three EVs and install charging infrastructure (with $137,000 from its own budget).
“Our Government has been putting tens of millions of dollars into clean energy projects in public organisations across Aotearoa, helping to create jobs and support our recovery from COVID-19,” Shaw says.
“The projects I am announcing build on this and will help progress the transition to a carbon neutral public sector by 2025.”
The latest funding announcement includes upgrading universities and other public organisations to run on clean, climate-friendly energy.
“Over the last four years we have laid the foundations for a prosperous, low-emission future of Aotearoa.,” Shaw says, adding this includes the passing of the Zero Carbon Act and initiatives like the State Sector Decarbonisation Fund.
“Whether it’s a local school, a university, or a hospital, most New Zealanders want to be able to access the public services they need in warm, energy efficient buildings powered by clean energy.,” he adds.
“They also want to know that our essential public sector workers can get around for their jobs using electric vehicles.”
