Fact sheets and brochures

Utilising biogas makes sense because it occurs as a result of a number of existing natural processes and the gas would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere as a harmful greenhouse gas. Biogas contains methane, which has twenty times more greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. The process of burning biogas for electricity generation or heat converts the methane into carbon dioxide, therefore significantly reducing the environmental impact.

Biofuels are produced from biological, non-fossil sources. By using biofuels we are reducing New Zealand's reliance on imported crude oil, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing our overall emissions of carbon dioxide, which contribute to global climate change. Currently in New Zealand the transport sector is responsible for 45% of our greenhouse gas emissions.

Biomass energy from wood (woody biomass) is a clean and renewable energy source. Because fossil fuels are likely to become increasingly expensive, woody biomass can play an important role by providing energy in the form of heat, electricity or transport fuels. Woody biomass is effectively a store of solar energy.
As a renewable energy source that can be grown and used sustainably, burning woody biomass has almost zero net greenhouse effect as the carbon dioxide given off during combustion is
absorbed by the growth of the next crop of woody biomass.

New Zealand is surrounded by ocean, and the waves and tides in our energetic coastal environment are a world-class resource for energy conversion. Internationally, significant research and development efforts are underway devising technologies to extract energy from waves and tides. Such technologies could play a significant part in New Zealand's future energy supply portfolio.