Renewable Energy
How might a country create a fully renewable energy system?
Why New Zealand?
Over 80% of New Zealand’s electricity is powered by renewable energy, and that number is growing. From geothermal systems fueled by ancient volcanic terrain to modern wind and hydro infrastructure, the country has invested heavily in reducing its dependence on oil and other fossil fuels.
This island nation offers a place to see what’s working in the push to go renewable, examine the challenges (some universal and some unique to the region), and consider what ideas might work around the world.
Insights + Projects
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
This program is based on the North Island and can take between one to two weeks depending on pacing. There is an option to pace ourselves on the North Island with extra stops or add more time to explore the South Island too.
New Zealand’s Changing Economy: 1-4 Nights
Auckland, NZ
In Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, we will set the stage on energy usage with a brief orientation and introduction to the country. We will learn about some of the main energy providers in New Zealand and the history of the city with a possible trip to the country’s only oil refinery. From there we’ll begin to delve into the current efforts to transition to a renewable energy system.
Geothermal Activity on the North Island: 2-5 Nights
Rotorua and Taupo Area
In the middle of the North Island we will explore the geothermal activity and power systems in and around Rotorua. We will learn about the Maori cultural connections to this geothermal area, and see other energy infrastructure including hydro and wind power. We will also consider intersecting environmental agendas in the region as we visit the Redwood forest and get to know some of the unique ecosystems that New Zealand is working to preserve.
New Zealand’s Capital: 2-7 Nights
Wellington, NZ
On the Southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is the waterfront capital of New Zealand, an incredible city well situated among a network of hills and mountains. Here we will learn about the execution of energy policy at a national scale as we meet with experts and environmental organizations planning a more sustainable future for the island nation. With so many opportunities, we could spend a lot of time here and make it our final stop, or we have the option to add time on the South Island (below).
Hydropower and Rebuilding on the South Island: 0-5 Nights
Christchurch and the South Island, NZ
This optional extension would dive deeper into the glacial systems and hydropower of the South Island. We will also have the chance to explore the sustainable design work being embedded into Christchurch’s post-earthquake rebuilding or pull in more elements from our related Resilient Engineering program in New Zealand.
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs & Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
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You can also check out other programs in New Zealand, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
