First Renewables has confirmed production has begun at its biogas upgrade facility at the Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility in Broadlands, New Zealand.
James Irvine, general manager of Future Fuels at Clarus hailed this as a historic milestone for the country’s gas pipeline infrastructure.
“We are thrilled to confirm that renewable gas is now flowing through a Firstgas pipeline for the first time, marking a pivotal moment not only for the gas industry but for New Zealand’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future,” said Irvine.
Food scraps and other organic wastes are transformed into biogas at Ecogas’ Reporoa facility. Ecogas contracted First Renewables to deliver an advanced biogas upgrade system where the biogas is transformed into biomethane, which is thenvinjected into the Firstgas pipeline for residential and commercial gas users.
BioCO2 is also produced for Ecogas as part of this new system.
This will be supplied to a nearby glasshouse to enhance the growth of tomatoes in the near future.
“Our initial estimates show this facility alone can supply enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by 11,000 tonnes per year*, and because it’s chemically identical to natural gas, there are no changes required for gas users or their appliances,” explained Irvine.
“This is an exciting step forward for not only Ecogas and First Renewables but for Aotearoa as a whole.” said Fraser Jonker, managing director of Ecogas.
“Our mission is to close the food and energy loop. By transforming a ‘waste’ product into a renewable gas, we are another step forward on this journey that ultimately supports environmental sustainability, energy security and economic development in Aotearoa New Zealand."
First renewable gas flows in New Zealand pipeline
