Web231214: Bioenergy update - providing NZ with energy security and wellbeing
|
Presented by: Brian Cox (Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association) on Thursday, 14 December 2023 access webinar recording | access webinar slides (pdf 1.06MB) |
About the webinar
Bioenergy and biofuels have become a mainstream sustainable energy source capable of providing energy security to business and well-being to communities.
This webinar provided an overview of the bioenergy sector and outlined the actions being taken to:
- Replace 100% of essential fossil gases with biogases by 2050, including imported LPG.
- Supply of biomethane to fuel gas turbine generators to smooth wind and solar electricity fluctuations.
- Refuel Huntly Power Station on biomass to provide firming capacity for dry hydro years as an alternative to Lake Onslow pumped hydro.
- Assist food processors have the most appropriate energy supply for heat generation, hedging against higher energy costs in the future.
- Broaden drop-in energy fuel options and allow electricity to be used in higher value operations.
- Assist NZ food suppliers to meet international food buyers sustainability requirements.
- Provide another income stream for farmers.
- Improve agricultural land by integrating trees into farming landscapes, using bio-fertiliser, while reducing erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient losses.
- Assist the Government avoid the need to purchase $24billion of international emissions reduction credits.
The Bioenergy Association invites anyone interested in bioenergy and biofuels to attend this webinar.
About the presenter
Brian has been a long-standing champion of using NZ’s renewable natural resources for the creation of sustainable communities and has assisted the Bioenergy Association for the last decade.
Brian is often called upon as a commentator to provide insight into matters of biogas, wood energy and liquid biofuels.
Brian assists Bioenergy Association members to build their businesses and grow the sector.
The organisation maintains a clear, strong voice in advocating the benefits of bioenergy and a reminder that New Zealand already relies on bioenergy for 10% of its energy needs.
The Association estimates that bioenergy could supply up to 27% of New Zealand’s energy needs by 2050, and has the potential to generate around $6 billion in annual revenue for the country’s economy.
Brian has helped build confidence within industry in order to encourage conversion from fossil to biofuels. His focus has been on developing consistent supply chains of wood fuel and working with organisations to increase understanding of how bioenergy can be good for business as well as the environment.