Energy
A DigitalNZ Story by National Library of New Zealand Topics
The search for new sources of power will never end. This topic covers the science, technology and history of various sources of energy like hydro, nuclear, and fossil fuels. it also includes sustainable and renewable power including solar, wind and tidal power. SCIS no. 1933908
Clyde Dam, Otago - Photograph taken by Phil Reid
Alexander Turnbull Library
Renewable energy
National Library of New Zealand
Renewable energy (junior)
National Library of New Zealand
Oil and gas (fossil fuels)
National Library of New Zealand
Geothermal power at Wairākei - Roadside Stories
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Wave-powered generator
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Wind power
Science Learning Hub
Exploring solar power
Science Learning Hub
Plan for a nuclear power plant on Kaipara Harbour
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Burning fossil fuels
Science Learning Hub
Inventor, Frank Cresswell - Photograph taken by Greg King
Alexander Turnbull Library
Volcanic Power
NZ On Screen
Auckland blackout, 1998
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Energy sources through time – timeline
Science Learning Hub
Hydrogen fuel cells
Science Learning Hub
Building the Roxburgh dam
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Pylon, Taranaki, 2002
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
The Line
NZ On Screen
'Damn the dam'
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Anderson Steam Engine
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Poster, 'Coal Is Power'
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Coal Range
Kete Horowhenua
Living light
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Biomass energy
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How Electricity is made?
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Tidal energy optimisation
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Wind energy in New Zealand
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Fossil fuel
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The story of fossil fuel
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Renewable energy
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Is hydrogen still the fuel of the future?
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Electricity generation and demand in New Zealand
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Dangers of nuclear power
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Types of energy
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What is energy?
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Energy efficient appliances
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Increasing demand
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Borrower in Junior Journal 57, Level 2: Nov: 2018
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Māui gas platform
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Nuclear fusion
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From uranium to nuclear plants
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How does nuclear power work
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New Zealand wind energy
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Stewart Lister in his solar energy powered car
Energy from the sun is an abundant and renewable source of energy. Solar panels generate electricity directly from the sun. This is an image of Solar Kiwi, a solar-powered car designed by New Zealanders, Vivianne and Stewart Lister displayed at the electronic vehicle symposium in Wellington. The couple raced their car in the World Solar Challenge held in Australia. Their average speed was 50 km/h.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Kaipara tidal power turbine
Tidal power, a renewable source of energy, uses underwater turbines and generators to convert the movement of tidal water into electricity. A tidal power station was to be built in the Kaipara Harbour, but marine environmental groups and NIWA were against this move. They stated that the turbines could destroy marine life and sea birds, especially snapper as the harbour acts as a nursery for this species. Local fishermen felt more testing was needed on tidal power to estimate its effectiveness.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Making the wind work
People have used wind power to propel their ships and boats for thousands of years before they realised that wind could also be a source of power in other areas. It was in 1888 that inventor Charles Bush created the first wind turbine to create electricity for his mansion in Ohio, USA. This article from 1910 is about a British engineer and his wind-motor that promises to replace coal and gasoline. Wind is a much sought-after source of renewable and alternate energy. The Tararua wind farm located near Palmerston North is New Zealand’s largest wind farm.
National Library of New Zealand
'If NZ had nuke power?
New Zealand’s nuclear story began in late 1955 when two prospectors Fredrick Cassin and Charles Jacobsen accidentally discovered uranium on the West Coast. Their Geiger counter began ticking wildly near the rock face. However, in 1987, David Lange’s Government passed the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act. Since then there have been debates about this act and the idea of nuclear energy as a source of alternate energy. This image plays on the idea of nuclear power in New Zealand and where these power stations might be located. In this case on or in front of some of our most iconic landscape features!
Alexander Turnbull Library
Wairakei Geothermal Power Station
The Wairakei power station lies beside the Waikato River around 7 km north of Taupo above an active volcanic zone It is the world’s second geothermal power station and the first to use steam from the geothermal water as an energy source to generate electricity. It was completed in 1963. Unfortunately, the Waikato Regional Council has reported that the power station has had a serious impact on the environment with the reduction of sinter-depositing springs, geysers and their ecosystems in the surrounding area.
Alexander Turnbull Library
How does an electric motor work?
Services to Schools
Electricity
DigitalNZ
Meremere thermal power station
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What is gasoline made of?
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Hydropower
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Environment : energy
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Renewable fuels
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How does the sun make energy?
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Think green - Utilizing renewable solar energy
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Wind and solar power
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How do you turn rubbish into energy?
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Geothermal energy
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How hydroelectricity works
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Learn how to live a lower carbon lifestyle
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Wind energy student fact sheet
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