Genesis creating New Zealand’s first R&D energy community

Breaking from traditional product development, Genesis Energy is developing New Zealand's first real world R&D community in South Wairarapa. The collaborative project will test, design and develop game-changing digital tools that customers will use to engage with how they use energy.

"This real world project is all about people and their energy experience. It's not just about the latest technology so much as about how Kiwis can grab the idea of controlling their energy use in ways that work for them. By working and learning with our customers, we are ensuring the innovation around new energy technologies is relevant to consumers and puts them in control," Marc England, Genesis CEO.

In the first phase of a planned three-year program, ‘The Local Energy Project' will make use of Genesis Energy's own digital lab that, through scaled agile methodologies, is accelerating the development of new products that will improve customers' engagement and experience with energy. The Lab has created new energy monitoring tools, integrated new technologies such as solar and batteries, home heating and hot water.

The ‘Local Energy Project', which starts today in the Martinborough region, is an important milestone for New Zealand energy consumers. It will be the first time a large group of homes in one community will work with an energy provider to reimagine energy for the future. Customers will have access to hardware such as solar PV panels and home storage batteries, and software to suit differing needs. Genesis Energy will also be collaborating with Powerco on the project.

"Genesis Energy has a plan to become New Zealanders' first choice for energy management. As part of delivering on our vision we're putting in our money so we can learn quickly from true customer and industry collaboration," says England. 

The Project has been welcomed by the South Wairarapa District Council Mayor Viv Napier, "It's awesome that Genesis Energy has chosen this region as the first location for The Local Energy Project. We're looking forward to working with Genesis on joint energy projects."