Zero-fossil fuels orchard features on Country Calendar

Believed to be the world’s first zero-fossil fuels orchard, Central Otago’s Forest Lodge Orchard featured on TVNZ’s Country Calendar programme last night.

Owned by Mike and Rebecca Casey, the farm operation has reduced its daily energy costs from $94 to $32 through electrification.

Mike presented on the inspiring transition journey at ENA’s August Stakeholder Liaison Event in Otago, with attendees also being hosted on a site visit to see the farm’s array of electric machinery in operation.

Local EDB, Aurora Energy, has provided key assistance in the electrification process. This has included right-sizing the connection upgrade to find the best balance of network and onsite capacity, providing distribution pricing interpretation and advice, and offering flexibility trader support to maximise the market value stack opportunity of the distributed energy resource.