Vortex shoots for the sky to generate power from industrial heat

Vortex shoots for the sky to generate power from industrial heat
A schematic image of the Vortex generation method soon heading into full-scale testing. (Image: Supplied)
Greg Hurrell
A New Zealand energy startup with a radical idea is raising $5 million to fund a test rig it will start building near Gisborne.Vortex Power Systems plans to tap into low-grade industrial waste heat to create a kilometres-high whirlwind to drive a one-megawatt generator.With lab-scale testing complete, it needs to prove its green-energy concept with full-scale trials before it moves on to a pilot customer.Venture capital fund Pacific Channel is the lead investor and has been Vortex’s main backer since it was spun out of a University of Auc...

More Energy

Gas and electricity contracting complaints investigated
Law & Regulation

Gas and electricity contracting complaints investigated

Regulator looks at clamour around energy contracts.

Ian Llewellyn 14 Aug 2025
Gas users warn of business closures
Energy

Gas users warn of business closures

Half have cut back operations already, more are joining them.

Ian Llewellyn 12 Aug 2025
From the Red Sea to greening up shipping
Infrastructure

From the Red Sea to greening up shipping

The head of the United Nations maritime agency has visited NZ for the first time. 

Oliver Lewis 12 Aug 2025
Jones looking at gas rationing
Economy

Jones looking at gas rationing

“The wholesale hollowing out of the regional manufacturing sector.” 

Ian Llewellyn 11 Aug 2025