Bioenergy

Bioenergy comes from a wide range of sources, including trees or crops grown specifically for their energy content. They also include indirect sources of biomass derived from waste products from industrial, commercial, agricultural and domestic activities. These wastes include straw, animal manure, animal fat and municipal solid waste.

Biomass can be used to supply either electricity, heat, or transport fuels.

Biogas is a gas produced during the biological breakdown of organic matter which can be used to provide energy. Biogas is also called Landfill gas.

Bioenergy in New Zealand

Wood biomass provides about five per cent (35PJ) of New Zealand’s main energy supply. Wood biomass is mainly used by the timber industry, which burns residue wood to provide heat energy. Residential wood burners and open fires account for about 5PJ of our biomass use.

There are opportunities to significantly increase our use of biomass as an energy source. EECA is administering the Wood Energy Grant Scheme (WEGS), which aims to increase the use of wood residues as an energy source.

Biofuels for transport

Some biofuels such as biodiesel are superior fuels for transport, even though they are currently more expensive than some other fossil fuel alternatives.

Wood Processing Strategy

EECA contributed to the joint forest industry/government Wood Processing Strategy by co-chairing the Energy Working Group with the Forest Industries Council.

The project recognised that energy is as important to Wood Processing Industry’s infrastructure as transport and skilled labour.

The project set out to review:

• the supply and demand for energy in new wood processing regions
• the effects of energy market structures on the development of the sector
• likely changes in energy costs
• opportunities for the development of Bioenergy in the sector.

Bioenergy Industry Association

The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) represents the commercial bioenergy sector and provides a single point of contact on the bioenergy market.
BANZ provides members with opportunities for networking, the latest technical and market information, opportunities for brand exposure and an avenue to influence market policies and issues.

EECA works with BANZ to:

• Identify and further opportunities for bioenergy in New Zealand
• Support industry workshops
• Help with feasibility and case studies.