Leading The Charge For A Regenerative Economy
Ōtautahi Christchurch is emerging as a key player in the cleantech sector, thanks to its unique blend of expertise, industry collaboration, and strategic location. The city’s thriving tech ecosystem is driving real-world solutions to global environmental challenges.
With a focus on practical, sustainable technologies in areas like clean energy, carbon capture, and recycling, Christchurch is not only helping tackle climate change but also creating jobs in a fast-growing global market.
Cleantech's Global Potential
New Zealand has been at the forefront of renewable energy development. It has one of the highest renewable electricity percentages in the OECD, at around 88% and growing, and the country aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2035.
A 2024 report from the NZ Cleantech Mission highlighted the growing potential of New Zealand's cleantech sector as a key player in global exports. In 2023, global investment in cleantech reached over US$40 billion, with spending on clean energy expected to rise from US$1.8 trillion in 2023 to US$4.5 trillion annually by the early 2030s. This presents a huge opportunity for New Zealand.
Christchurch is in a great position to take advantage of this growth. Because of cleantech’s synergy with other focus sectors such as aerospace and health tech, the city has a strong talent pipeline, and a culture of innovation – with several companies already leading the charge.
Our Cleantech Superstars
Christchurch companies like Fabrum, Zincovery and Aspiring Materials are at the forefront of the cleantech movement. Meanwhile, Christchurch Airport’s Kōwhai Park – a renewable energy precinct – is set to become a major player in the industry with its large-scale solar array and green hydrogen generation, helping aviation decarbonise and powering future low-emission flights.
Fabrum
Fabrum is redefining the future of sustainable technology, developing cutting-edge technologies in hydrogen, liquefaction, and storage systems. In 2025 the company opened a hydrogen testing facility in partnership with Christchurch Airport. This collaboration is part of the airport’s Kōwhai Park project and will support decarbonisation efforts in the aviation industry.
Aspiring Materials
Aspiring Materials is making waves in carbon removal with a world-first process that captures carbon dioxide emissions using magnesium, derived from olivine rocks. Their groundbreaking process offers a way to decarbonise industries and even produces hydrogen and oxygen as clean fuel.
Zincovery
Zincovery is pioneering a cleaner way to recycle zinc, a process traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. By reducing emissions by up to 95% and cutting processing costs by 45%, Zincovery’s innovative technology is transforming the zinc recycling industry. The company’s strong collaboration with the University of Canterbury and Christchurch’s thriving tech sector has been vital to its success.
Connect With Us
ChristchurchNZ’s business and investment team are a knowledgeable mix of professional, strategic thinkers with diverse skill sets. They love identifying opportunities and building relationships to make positive, impactful outcomes for both stakeholders and the city of Christchurch.
Shawn Melley
Shawn has over 23 years of experience and leadership in marketing, sales, business analytics, product development and corporate strategy. He has led commercial business units, launched multiple products into new markets, and co-founded a biotech start up. Shawn is a creative problem solver who enjoys working with businesses of all sizes to uncover areas of growth and opportunity that will help them achieve their goals.
