Portfolio Overview
Optimising Physical Resource Use and Infrastructure (ORI)
The research this portfolio supports
The ORI? portfolio supports research in:
- the identification, extraction and primary processing of physical resources including, but not limited to; energy, minerals, water, air and materials for essential infrastructure
- improved and/or alternative technologies and processes for the development of natural physical resources to deliver essential infrastructure, including the assessment of the environmental, cultural and socio-economic impacts of these processes and technologies
- the development, efficient use of and public acceptance of a range of infrastructure services including, but not limited to: energy demand; energy supply; building and construction; transport; and portable water and waste water services.
This portfolio supports basic-targeted, applied and experimental development research.
What this portfolio aims to do
Investments in Optimising Physical Resource Use and Infrastructure Services (ORI) will lead to enhanced development for New Zealand through provision of sustainable and efficient infrastructure services relating to essential networks, infrastructure systems and their management. Optimising use of physical resource use will lead to enhanced security of supply of physical resources and enhance the role of renewable alternatives within a framework of sustainable development for New Zealand.
Who can apply for this funding?
Research organisations, including universities, crown research institutes and private organisations doing research for the wider benefit of New Zealand.
Target outcomes and themes
Each portfolio has overarching goals, called target outcomes. Themes may support each target outcome. All of these are detailed in the portfolio investment strategy.
The investment signal for each investment process will focus on some or all of these target outcomes and themes.
The target ourcomes and themes for ORI are:
| Target outcome | Themes |
|---|---|
| ORI1 - New Zealand’s energy needs are met sustainably, while responding to a changing market place. |
1.1 Improved energy management and supplies of renewable energy sources assured Demand and supply of energy services are managed through increased efficiency or reduced demand to reduce our reliance on imported fuels. Supplies of renewable energy sources in the short to medium term enable New Zealand to meet its sustainable growth objectives and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Environmentally sustainable energy from New Zealand’s resources are competitively priced internationally. |
| 1.2 Supply of conventional energy sources ensured Ensure supply of conventional energy sources in the short to medium term enables New Zealand to meet its sustainable growth objectives and reduces reliance on imported fuels through increased supplies of conventional energy from New Zealand’s resources at internationally competitive prices. |
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| 1.3 Environmental impact of fossil fuel use reduced Mitigation of the environmentally detrimental effects of conventional fossil fuel use to contribute to New Zealand's Kyoto Protocol objectives, and to enhance competitiveness in the new global carbon economy. Methods identified for reducing the volume of climatically detrimental and socially harmful by-products of fossil fuel energy use within New Zealand's atmosphere are identified. |
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| 1.4 Māori and rural energy needs met Meet the energy needs of isolated rural and Māori communities, including development of distributed energy systems and businesses. | |
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ORI2 - Wealth from New Zealand’s natural resources |
2.1 Wealth from New Zealand's minerals |
| 2.2 New wealth from physical resources of the ocean Long-term economic growth through the discovery of physical resources and application of new technologies at or below the seabed in regions where there is currently little knowledge and no established industry. The New Zealand continental shelf and exclusive economic zone is mapped and its formation better understood, as a basis for wealth creation through the application of new technologies to newly identified types of resource. |
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| ORI3 - Improved infrastructure in transport, water, waste and design New Zealand has the necessary infrastructure and human environment to support economic, environmental and social wellbeing. |
3.1 Adequate, clean freshwater available for all Freshwater is allocated and used in a sustainable, efficient and equitable way. Freshwater quality is appropriately maintained to meet all appropriate needs. |
| 3.2 Transport system to support economical growth and social wellbeing By 2010 New Zealand will have an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system. |
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| 3.3 Environmentally sustainable waste systems Affordable, safe and sustainable building stock. Development of buildings that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, including both new and retrofitted buildings. |
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3.4 Affordable, safe and sustainable building stock Quality urban design adds economic value through higher returns on investment, reduced management and maintenance costs and more productive workplaces. Quality urban design adds social, environmental and cultural value through creating well connected, inclusive and accessible work places, delivering the mix of houses, uses and facilities needed by people, adding to the identity and pride of a place, enhancing safety and reducing fear of crime, improving efficiency, and revitalising heritage. New Zealand will have buildings that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, including both new and retrofitted buildings. |
Current funding available
For information on whether funding is currently available in this portfolio, visit the funding summary page.
For more information
The Foundation? business manager is the primary contact for all applicants. If your organisation does not have a business manager, or you have questions about the process, contact investments@frst.govt.nz.
Please note: the information on this page is a guide only. Applicants should refer to the investment signal linked from the relevant contestable funding page for this portfolio when shaping concepts or proposals.