Research and reports

An opportunity has arisen for the NZDF/RNZAF to improve the economics surrounding the operation of the Woodbourne Air Base heating system.

This two-part report evaluates the opportunity to convert or replace coal fired boilers to woody biomass. Part one of the report refers to the feasibility of the conversion of the current coal fired boilers, and part two discusses the feasibility of a new boiler or boilers to replace the current two coal fired boilers.

An opportunity has arisen for the New Zealand Defence Force to improve the economics surrounding the operation of the Waiouru site heating system.

This report evaluates the opportunity to convert or replace coal fired boilers to woody biomass and offers technical recommendations. Options are considered for plant replacement, plant conversion, or use of woody biomass as a duel fuel source.

The rising cost of natural gas prompted Tatua Co-operative Dairy Factory near Hamilton to look at alternative energy sources to run its boilers.
Wood-fired boilers are common in sawmills and wood processing plants, but are yet to be used in a New Zealand dairy factory. Tatua's site engineer Jack van Lankveld says they were motivated by a desire to be more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
"If the [gas] supply went down we would have to stop operating. There's also the whole carbon issue to think about - this is something that is becoming increasingly important."

Blue Mountain Lumber is a sawmill located in Southland, New Zealand. The sawmill was expanded in 2000 to enable the processing of approximately 160,000 tonnes sawlogs annually. Prior to expansion the sawmill operated with several small wood residue fuelled boilers that were at the end of their economic life. The site was dumping significant quantities of woodwaste into a local landfill.  As part of the expansion an energy facility was built to provide improved steam quality and capacity for increased steam loads.