The man behind the Lake Onslow power scheme says the project is not dead in the water and it's not up to the National-led government to dictate New Zealand's future energy policy.

The $16-billion pumped hydro project in the central Otago high country was proposed as a solution to New Zealand's dry year problem every seven years through power storage.

But as part of its 100-day plan, the new government has instructed officials to halt all work on it.

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's a hugely wasteful and the focus of his government will be on increasing renewables.

The scheme is the brainchild of hydrologist Professor Earl Bardsley.

Bardsley spoke to Charlotte Cook.