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Nauru Energy Efficiency on Demand – a Mission to Decarbonise a Nation

DETA - Energy Efficiency Pathway for Nauru

Nauru relies on diesel imports to generate the majority of the country's electricity. Given the escalating impacts of climate change on the Pacific Islands and the soaring cost of fossil fuels, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) allocated funding to investigate solutions to increase Nauru’s energy resilience to these challenges. The main objectives of MFAT’s funding were to support a stable electricity supply for the island, decrease dependency on diesel imports, and to reduce overall electricity consumption on the island through the introduction of energy-efficient measures. 


In 2019, MFAT commissioned a team of energy consultants, led by DETA, on a mission to Nauru to develop a list of Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs). DETA visited Nauru twice to grow the list of opportunities and foster relationships with stakeholders in Nauru, particularly within the government and commercial sectors. Once complete, the list was reviewed by MFAT and a combination of projects identified as aligning with their program aims was created. These were selected based on their potential to deliver significant energy savings relative to the required investment. 


MFAT selected 11 projects which DETA was contracted to offer essential technical guidance and program management services on. The projects were delivered on-island by the Nauru Energy Efficiency on the Demand Side (NEEDS) Team, who DETA worked closely alongside. The NEEDS Team operates as part of the Department of Climate Change and National Resilience (DCCNR) within the Nauruan Government’s Energy Division Team. The primary aim of the NEEDS project was to connect the people of Nauru to the benefits of energy saving in an accessible way. 


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Here is a summary of the projects underway that DETA has assisted or will continue to assist the NEEDS Team with;   

The first project was to establish a cohort of three Nauru based energy efficiency team members. Each with their own area of focus who could deliver the projects locally and be the conduit for DETA’s support. Once the individuals were identified, DETA worked to develop the skills and knowledge base of the team, with a focus on all things' energy efficiency. DETA maintained close communications to ensure MFAT’s goals were being achieved by hosting weekly meetings to review the progress of the projects. 


An important project, that was crucial to complete early, was to create a brand identity for the NEEDS Team. A strong logo was required to bring NEEDS to life and create a presence and recognition that the locals could relate to. This was to be used for all marketing engagements – Facebook, website, and social media. DETA managed an external design company through this project resulting in a brand that resonated with the target audience, fostering a strong and positive identity for the NEEDS Team and its goals for Nauru’s decarbonisation. 


A residential outreach activity program was developed to promote energy efficiency and engage the community directly. DETA developed NEEDS branded promotional materials for these outreach events that the NEEDS Team then delivered to the public. DETA supported the training of the NEEDS Team, and the result was effective community roadshows that educated everyone on energy efficiency. This outreach program targeted all 14 districts on the island. DETA also delivered training for key government officials to help embed energy efficiency knowledge. 


Currently there are few formal restrictions on importing appliances, which means poorer energy standard, and low-cost appliances are available. Most nations have moved toward Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) that utilize the energy-star rating systems to indicate the efficiency of the item. DETA was requested to support the development of the legislative and policy related items to restrict inefficient appliances. This has required coordination between internal government ministers, such as those for the customs, legal and energy departments. 


A project to introduce an energy efficiency (EE) fund, to promote the use of more efficient appliances, was a direct way to encourage consumers to have access to otherwise more expensive, but cheaper to run, white goods. DETA supported the development of a rebate mechanism that would enable the consumer to access the discount for appliances with higher EE star-ratings, at the point of purchase. An overarching framework for the EE fund was developed, alongside supporting documentation tracking prices and funding. The fund is active in Nauru and is already encouraging sales of more efficient appliances, as people begin to understand the art they can play in energy efficiency. 


DETA, as leading energy efficiency consultants, has played a pivotal role in developing energy efficiency training for Nauru, including programs specifically designed for roles within Nauru’s government. DETA’s training process has enhanced government officials' knowledge of how energy efficiency applies in the context of Nauru and encouraged thought leadership toward efficient outcomes. 


Starting energy efficiency education early was identified as an important project. A campaign was developed to promote energy efficiency to Year 6 students, aiming to show in an engaging way how, and at what cost, energy was being used in their own home. Additionally, the team created essential supporting documents such as PowerPoints and handouts to enhance the educational materials and ensure effective communication. 


The importance of implementing high-efficiency, low-power LED lighting in buildings was also promoted. DETA focused on securing LED lighting funding for government and commercial buildings where opportunities were identified to replace outdated lighting systems with energy-efficient LED alternatives. The initial focus was on the local hospital, with plans to extend these upgrades to other critical commercial and government buildings contributing significantly to Nauru's overall energy consumption. By targeting key infrastructure, DETA aimed to make a substantial impact on energy efficiency across strategic sectors. 


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Miniva Harris, NEEDS Project Lead Department of Climate Change and National Resilience:

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I am truly grateful for the invaluable technical expertise and management support provided by DETA that has played a pivotal role in enhancing EE knowledge and practices across all sectors of our small island nation. As the NEEDS Project Lead, working in collaboration with DETA and NZMFAT has given me the confidence to sustain and further develop EE initiatives beyond the project life.

A man and a woman are standing in front of a solar panel field.

Working in Nauru provided some cultural and language barriers for the DETA project delivery team, but these were quickly overcome by the relationships that were built with the NEEDS Team on site. The projects are exciting and challenging, taking the team out of their comfort zone. The DETA team had to be adaptable in how they approached the implementation of these projects and sometimes had to find innovative solutions to fit in the Nauruan context. All the projects the DETA team are working on will enable the NEEDS Team to continue to upskill and in turn educate the Nauruan community to be self-managed in energy efficiency. 


Project lead Eugene Robson comments on his experience: 


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I have really enjoyed working with the NEEDS Team, Government of Nauru and NZ MFAT to help implement energy efficiency projects in Nauru. It has been rewarding to engage closely with the local NEEDS Team on the island and support the development of energy efficiency projects that are tailored for the Nauruan context. 


After a lot of up-front planning work, it’s great to see the wide-ranging projects being implemented and achieving real energy savings for the people of Nauru, with local delivery from the fantastic NEEDS Team


Ultimately, projects like this where the energy efficiency message and the awareness around climate change are promoted create resilient communities which are critical in such unprecedented times. By DETA contributing to such a meaningful project, it’s another action towards attaining our strategic goal of removing 2 million tCO2e emissions every year by 2030.

Proactive Solutions for New Zealand’s Gas Challenges

by Anne-Maree Ward • 13 December 2024
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Navigating New Zealand's Gas Challenges New Zealand’s energy market is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Rising gas prices, a steady decline in local gas production, and the country’s ambitious decarbonisation targets are creating significant pressure for businesses to adapt. The era of cheap, reliable gas is fading, and for industries that rely on it, the time to act is now. Businesses need to move beyond merely coping with the changes and start embracing practical, forward-thinking solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and align with New Zealand’s sustainability objectives. While the pressure to reduce fossil fuel dependency grows, there’s an opportunity for businesses to innovate. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and lower carbon alternatives, companies can gain a competitive edge while managing the immediate impacts of the gas crisis and preparing for a future with more sustainable energy sources. The evolving gas landscape: what’s driving the change? New Zealand’s gas sector is in a state of flux, with local production dwindling and no imported natural gas available. On top of this, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is placing additional pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. For many businesses, continuing to rely on gas is no longer a sustainable long-term strategy. Now is the time to take a step back and consider alternative energy solutions that provide greater stability and long-term value. The path forward involves shifting away from traditional fossil fuels, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring lower carbon energy alternatives. Energy efficiency: the key to resilience While facing such uncertainty in the energy market, energy efficiency is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s key to building resilience. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of rising gas prices, all while contributing to New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. Achieving energy efficiency means not only cutting down on costs but it also positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, supports the uptake of a continuous improvement mindset across the business, and reduces environmental impact. But considering energy efficiency alone isn’t enough. The real challenge lies in the broader energy supply-demand balance across New Zealand. As businesses look to transition away from gas, the energy must still come from somewhere and the market has to react. This is a massive challenge for NZ Inc but many businesses are looking at ways to be innovative and creative with their energy usage and procurement utilising tools like storage, flexible operation and long term contracts to not only create maximise value for their organisations but also to support New Zealand's energy transition.

Measuring up: the importance of energy audits in business

12 December 2024
Historically, auditing has been seen as an undesirable expense with little perceived value for businesses. With organisations failing to see the benefit of examining the finer details of their operations, and with staff assigned to prepare for the audit feeling like they've drawn the short straw, audits have never been fun. Until now. This is when energy audits enter the room to great fanfare. The shift towards sustainability , driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, is reshaping how businesses approach energy consumption, waste management, and carbon footprint, and crucially, their relationship with audits. Energy audits are the one type of audit that delivers positivity; they are one of the most effective tools to help businesses reduce their environmental impact while boosting their bottom line through optimised processes and reducing costs. For organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific , understanding the significance of energy audits and how they lead to long-term cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced sustainability is fundamental to business success. Unpacking energy audits: the key to unlocking sustainability An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business's energy use and efficiency. Its primary goal is to uncover areas where energy is being wasted and identify opportunities for energy savings. This process is essential for any business aiming to improve its sustainability, reduce operating costs, and meet carbon reduction targets. Whether you are operating a small enterprise or managing a large industrial site, an energy audit provides actionable insights to reduce the environmental impact of the business and improve energy management. There are different types of energy audits, from Lite Audits offering a quick, low-risk assessment, to Detailed Energy Audits, which provide a more thorough and long-term analysis of energy use across the facilities. Both types of audits help you understand current energy consumption patterns and reveal the potential areas for energy efficiency improvements. From insight to action: why energy audits are a business game-changer Energy audits are not just about identifying problems; they are about identifying opportunities for improvement. By performing regular energy audits, businesses can benefit in the following ways: Cost savings One of the most immediate, attractive and tangible benefits of an energy audit is the potential for significant cost savings through the identification of inefficiencies that are costing the business or organisation money. For example, a company may be using outdated lighting or HVAC systems that consume excessive energy. Through equipment upgrades and optimisations , these inefficiencies can be corrected, leading to significant savings on utility bills. Energy audits are also adept at identifying unexpected bottlenecks in industrial processes and are often the first to highlight the potential for process optimisation, improving a business’s overall efficiency and profitability. 
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From concept to completion: achieving industrial projects with sustainable agendas

12 December 2024
In today’s world, the intersection of industrial progress and sustainability has become a critical focus. As businesses and industries expand their reach, the importance of embedding sustainable practices into project management is no longer optional - it’s essential. By integrating sustainability principles from the early stages of a project through to completion, organisations can achieve not only economic gains but also valuable long-term environmental and societal benefits. The role of sustainability in industrial project management Sustainability in project management involves adopting practices that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations throughout the project lifecycle. This shift reflects a growing recognition that industrial success isn’t just about profitability; it’s about creating enduring value for communities and the ecosystems on which we rely. Industries across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly collaborating with sustainability consultants and ESG consultants to align their projects with global sustainability standards. These professionals guide organisations in setting and achieving ambitious goals, whether it’s reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, or enhancing social responsibility. For instance, energy consultants in NZ play a pivotal role in industrial projects by conducting energy audits and offering insights into energy-efficient designs, ultimately lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Key strategies for embedding sustainability in industrial projects Implementing sustainability isn’t just about compliance - it’s about innovation. Here’s how industrial project teams incorporate sustainability into their processes: 1. Defining clear sustainability goals Every successful project begins with a clear roadmap. Sustainability goals should align with both organisational values and broader environmental targets, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with energy efficiency consultants and process engineering consultants helps businesses define measurable objectives, such as achieving specific reductions in energy consumption or waste. For example, organisations in the manufacturing sector can work with energy management services in NZ or Australia to develop energy audit services to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify greener alternatives. 
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