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Welcome members and friends
 A review of international initiatives across the bioenergy and biofuels sector shows that New Zealand is one of the few countries where bioenergy and biofuels are still being seen simply as a commodity energy source with little recognition of the triple bottom line benefits that a strong bioenergy and biofuels sector provides. This is probably a hang over of how the energy market has been seen by successive New Zealand Governments over the last three decades.
Biomass energy is the most flexible of the renewable energy sources as it can be used for electricity, heat and transport and is 100% controllable. Because it is from biomass we can grow and harvest nearly anywhere, or waste we produce every day, its economic, social and environmental public benefits are often stronger than its private energy benefits.
Taking a triple bottom line approach, the benefits for future generations include: clean air; clean waterways; fossil fuels being left for future uses; wise land use; new and improved business resilience, particularly in agriculture; and assisted regional economic growth.
It is often not recognised that 11% of our consumer energy already comes from bioenergy and biofuels. Bioenergy and biofuels are already a main stream energy source in New Zealand.
Recent analysis has shown that by 2050 and with sound supportive policies, and generally proven technologies, bioenergy and biofuels could provide around 27% of our energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 15%. With minimal cost by Government as financial returns can be as low as 3-4 year payback + significant intangible public benefits. 93PJ of fossil fuels could be replaced by solid, gaseous and liquid biofuels.
With such significant public opportunities there should be greater interest from Government so that bioenergy and biofuels can contribute to the wellbeing benefits we all seek.
Brian Cox
Executive Officer
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Bioenergy NZ, Australia & the Pacific
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Meat processor NH Foods converts waste streams into valuable biogas
Meat processor NH Foods Australia at their Queensland Oakey Beef Exports facility has achieved cleaner wastewater effluent, as well as a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy costs from treating their waste streams and replacing the need to purchase natural gas...
www.insidewaste.com.au/index.php/2019/04/29/gwes-biogas-boosts-environmental-and-business-performance-at-nh-foods-facility
Pacific Bioenergy Group established
A number of Bioenergy Association members with interests across the Pacific have proposed a working group to focus on assisting Pacific Island nations to access best practice and gain access to information. The aim is to avoid duplication of work being done by different parties and to share knowledge and experience relevant to small communities. It is proposed that webinars and internet meetings be used so that the cost of travel is avoided. For information or participation contact executive@bioenergy.org.nz
Residential pellet heater installation
The Bioenergy Association (represented by Andrew Wilson, EEnergy) and a newly formed Wood Pellet Producers Advisory Group (represented by Brian Cox) are on the Australian/NZ Standards Committee currently developing a standard for the “Installation of Domestic Solid Fuel Burning Appliances - Pellet Heaters”. Recently a draft was circulated for comment and as a result a Working Group convened by Andrew Wilson has been established to revise the draft according to current best practice. For more information executive@bioenergy.org.nz
Wood Pellet Groups
A number of Association members with an interest in residential wood pellet heating have been working together over the last year on issues around standards for residential wood pellet heating. They come together under the Residential Wood Pellet Heating Group.
A separate Wood Pellet Producers Group dealing only with wood pellet matters has also been formed. For more information contact executive@bioenergy.org.nz
Solid biofuels standards update
Bioenergy Association is an Observer Member of the International Standards Committee ISO 238 which considers solid biofuel standards. Current standards being considered by the Committee cover:
- Terminology
- Fuel specifications and classes
- Physical and mechanical test methods
- Chemical test methods
- Sampling and sample preparation
- Safety of solid biofuels
As a result of the observer status Bioenergy Association is now included in international discussions on solid biofuel best practice. Information from this involvement in ISO 238 is now able to be included in the Technical Guides developed and published by the Association.
Safety standards
Standards NZ are undertaking a review of New Zealand’s safety standards. Bioenergy Association has contributed information on current bioenergy sector safety standards. Any comments or suggestions on current safety standards should be provided to executive@bioenergy.org.nz
Biofuels from old tyres
A Gladstone oil refinery says it has found the solution to Australia's tyre waste and fuel security problems. Southern Oil Refineries general manager Ben Tabulo said the company had successfully conducted large scale pilot tests on its biodiesel made from old tyres.
More here
Energy from waste in a circular economy
It's reported that the plant owned and run by Yarra Valley Water can process up to 33,000 tonnes of food waste every year, producing enough electricity to power about 2,000 homes. The process begins when food waste is delivered from airlines, commercial suppliers and the nearby Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market.
More here
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Bioenergy Association Gold members
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Process heat is the energy used as heat mainly by the industrial and commercial sectors for industrial processes, manufacturing, and warming spaces. This is often in the form of steam, hot water or hot gases. Around half of New Zealand's process heat demand is met by burning coal or natural gas.
[source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment]
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Biomass pretreatment for bioenergy
IEA Bioenergy has released a report, Biomass Pretreatment for Bioenergy. This report summarises the efforts of an inter-task project designed to demonstrate how the application of certain biomass pre-treatment technologies could make existing bioenergy supply chains more fuel flexible, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
The report also summarises the findings of five case studies that show the added value of biomass pre-treatment for certain resources and end user applications.
Options for increased use of ash from biomass combustion and co-firing -
This IEA Bioenergy Task 32 report provides an overview on present practices in ash management from biomass (co)combustion, based on country reports for experiences in different member countries of Task 32.
http://task32.ieabioenergy.com/publications/options-for-increased-use-of-ash-from-biomass-combustion-and-co-firing/
From unloved woods to desirable renewable biofuels
S Theuer, C Herrmann, M Heiermann, P Grundmann, N Landwehr, U Kreidenweis, A Prochnow
Forest operators leave harvest residues on site because they do not meet quality requirements for lumber and/or pulp production. These types of low-grade trees are often too dry or too rotten, which restricts their suitability for the conventional forest industry. Although they are unfit for lumber or solid wood products, these “unloved” woods often can represent an attractive source of biomass for the production of renewable bioenergy (including liquid biofuels) because they do not compete with fibre supplies of other forest industries
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/unloved-woods-to-desirable-renewable-biofuels
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Bioenergy Association Silver members
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Member
Announcements and Job Vacancies
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Member announcements and advertisements in the newsletter do not reflect endorsements by the Bioenergy Association. Contact us if you have any news or announcements to be included in the Bioflash.
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Evo Energy Technologies showcase 2G cogeneration engine
Travis McNeill
Email: travis@evoet.com.au | Phone: +1300 859 933
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EvoET 2019 2G Factory tour video clip
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 Scientist - Bioenergy (fixed term) - Scion
Close date: 5 May 2019 | Work type: Fixed term
Use your ingenuity and skills to make a difference to NZ's renewable energy future. Excellent teamwork and development opportunity 2 year fixed term position.
Are you someone eager to join an organisation that prides itself on its science? Whose nation highly values the science we produce? If so, then please read on…
See job description here
Scientist - Bioenergy - Scion
Close date: 12 May 2019 | Work type: Permanent
Scion are looking for a scientist keen to join their multi-disciplinary Bioenergy team. You should be able to contribute and lead, carry out the research and development of activities and commercial research projects that are aimed at upgrading woody biomass to liquid biofuels products as replacements for fossil-derived transportation fuels.
See job description here
Research Leader - Bioenergy - Scion
Close date: 12 May 2019 | Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
Deliver innovative and ground-breaking research. Lead Scion's Bioenergy Team to drive NZ's renewable energy future. Excellent science growth and leadership opportunity in a growing area. Unique opportunity to apply science expertise to industrially relevant technology. Are you someone eager to join an organisation ...
See job description here
Renewable Energy Advisor - VSA 
Close date: 26 May 2019 | Location: Suva, Fiji
This VSA volunteer assignment will involve supporting the SPC to identify Pacific island countries that have the potential to generate bio-gas at a commercial level, as well as collating and analysing renewable energy data. You will also provide technical advice, review project proposals and oversee training of SPC staff, all of which will make a huge difference to the success of SPC’s upcoming work.
See job description here
 Biomass fuel drying expertise
The Bioenergy Association has been asked for information on biomass drying and experts who can assist evaluate drying technology options. If you are an expert on drying biomass for fuel production contact we will pass your details on. We would also like assistance in upgrading the information we provide on the www.usewoodfuel.org.nz website on biomass fuel drying.
If you can assist contact brian.cox@bioenergy.org.nz
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Contact a Bioenergy Expert directory
Members of the Bioenergy Association obtain free listing of their company profiles in the directory. Bioenergy Association profiles its members at every opportunity as this is one way of demonstrating the competence and capabilities of the industry.
Click here to begin your search
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International Bioenergy News
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Renewable diesel produced from wood waste
Cielo Waste Solutions Corp
Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is reported to have achieved a milestone by selling 5,000 litres of high-grade renewable diesel at C$1 per litre. Cielo's renewable fuels are being produced by converting wood waste into a saleable renewable diesel product using Cielo's proprietary process.
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/renewable-diesel-produced-from-wood-waste
Enerkem solid waste to biofuels programme grows
Suncor energy invests in Enerkem waste-to-biofuel projects
Enerkem, a Canadian based global leader in biofuels production from solid waste, has secured financing totalling another C$76.3 million to allow sustained growth and beginning a landmark phase of its technology’s implementation with two new facilities.
More here - www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/enerkem-solid-waste-to-biofuels
Maersk moves to using biofuel for shipping
Maersk, the world's biggest carrier, has announced plans to have carbon neutral vessels commercially viable by 2030. The target is aimed at accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral shipping, which Maersk hopes to reach by 2050.
The company says that in order to reach this goal its ships must be emitting zero CO2 by 2030 because the lifetime of a vessel is between 20-25 years.
www.maersk.com/news/articles/2019/03/22/maersk-partners-with-global-companies-to-trial-biofuel
The first trial vessel has sailed from Rotterdam to Hong Kong fuelled entirely on a cooking oil-based biofuel as part of a collaboration with Heineken, Phillips, Shell, Unilever, DSM and FrieslandCampina.
www.porttechnology.org/news/watch_maersks_biofuel_pilot_reaches_hong_kong
Are aviation fuels ready for take off?
Pharoah le Feuvre, IEA Energy Analyst
Air travel is booming, with the number of air passengers set to double over the next twenty years. Aviation demand is particularly evident in in the Asia Pacific region, where growing economic wealth is opening new travel opportunities.This report discusses the sate of aviation biofuels.
More here
IEA Bioenergy update
April was a busy month at IEA Bioenergy with the release of several useful technical reports:
And the release of the IEA Bioenergy Annual Report 2018.
Scion represents New Zealand at the IEA Bioenergy, with Paul Bennett (Science Leader of Clean Technologies at Scion, and Bioenergy Association Board Member) currently Vice-Chair of the Executive committee. In this role, as part of the Core Management Team, he is responsible shaping the strategy of IEA Bioenergy, defining the work programme of the technical tasks, and agreeing the communications plan for dissemination of the work to the right audiences.
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The Toploader arrives in New Zealand and Australia - a new product has hit the wood energy market, and its called the "Toploader". It is manufactured by Javo International in Holland, and is delivered by Living Energy Ltd.
Click here for more details |
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 2019 Just Transition Summit
Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May 2019, New Plymouth, NZ
The Just Transition National Summit, to be held in Taranaki in May 2019, is a chance to have your say in defining what a just transition to a low emissions future looks like in New Zealand, and what steps to we need to take towards a new kind of economy with good, high paying jobs. New Zealand has some decisions to make about its future – its environment, the ways we live and work, and its economy.
Registration details here - www.bioenergy.org.nz/event/2019-just-transition-summit
 EMANZ Conference & Exhibition in association with the Sustainability Society
29-30 May 2019, Wellington, New Zealand
On 21 February 2019 EMANZ and The Sustainability Society announced they are to join forces for their upcoming conference to help New Zealand businesses address their carbon emissions. The Conference is targeted at helping businesses understand and then reduce their carbon emissions.
Commenting on the link-up, EMANZ Chief Executive Dr Mike Hopkins, said: “It just made sense. We [EMANZ] have been running our conference for 10 years. This year, we’re focusing on the practical aspects of reducing emissions and the more people we can bring along on that journey the better. We’re adding to the programme and the value and TSS members joining us will only add to the discussion and solutions and accelerate improvements”.
More here - www.bioenergy.org.nz/event/shaping-our-low-emissions-future-emanz-event
Free webinar
Thursday, 6 June 2019 at 2.00pm (NZST), 12noon AEDT (NSW time)
The webinar will provide an overview of the potential for use of Miscanthus as a solid biofuel in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific and include:
- Background about what Miscanthus is and how it grows.
- Where and how it can be grown – the requirements for success.
- The results from field trials.
- How herbaceous biofuels differ from woody biofuels.
- Commercial end uses.
- Current research.
- The economics of Miscanthus production and use.
Peter Brown of Miscanthus New Zealand will talk about what Miscanthus is capable of, what it can be used for and how the Miscanthus industry is developing in Australasia.
Registration and further details here - www.bioenergy.org.nz/event/webinar-miscanthus-as-a-biofuel
 Renewable Gas in Australia Symposium
Thursday 6 June 2019, Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Energy Networks Australia and Bioenergy Australia are hosting the Renewable Gas in Australia Symposium - Hydrogen & Biogas to deliver Australia's Emission outcomes to discuss emerging innovations and research in hydrogen and biogas.
This event is a must attend for the gas pipeline owners and operators, gas distributors, federal, state and local government representatives in the waste, agriculture and energy sector, biogas and hydrogen producers and technology suppliers, engineers and project developers, investors and financial institutions, large waste producing industries such as pork, dairy, water treatment, agriculture, landfill, food processing and manufacturing.
Register for the Gas Symposium here.
View full program here.
NZ Biochar work shop: Biochar for beef, diary and avocado health and productivity
Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June 2019, Dung Beetle Innovations, 42 Totara Road, Whenuapai, Auckland
The Australian and New Zealand Biochar Initiative Inc and Dung Beetle Innovations will hold two workshops repeated over two days.
Key speakers: Doug Pow an Innovative Beef & Avocado Grower who is getting great success with both his cattle and avocados using biochar.
Melissa Rebbeck, a researcher who has tested biochar to improve pastures and is now working on milk quality in dairy cattle by feeding them biochar, and
Shaun Forgie, a world renowned dung beetle specialist, he will present on what species of dung beetles are doing well in NZ soils and his experience with biochar.
Registration: Free entry +$20 for lunch. Limited places available.
Register your interest here - www.anzbi.org/product/nz-biochar-workshops/
 Australia New Zealand Biochar Conference & Study Tour 2019
1st ANZ Biochar Study Tour
Sunday 20 - Thursday 22 October 2019
The Green Triangle Region S.A./Victoria, Australia
The 3 day Study Tour is to great locations in Mt Gambier and Tantanoola, South Australia and Portland, Victoria (the Green Triangle Region). Study Tour Intent is to attract and involve potential commercial scale users of biochar. Delegates will learn the practicalities of using biochar at commercial scale and be empowered with knowledge and contacts to become a new commercial scale activist user of biochar.
More details here www.bioenergy.org.nz/event/anzbc-conference-and-study-tour-2019
3rd ANZ Biochar Conference
Thursday 24 – Saturday 26 October 2019
Melbourne Metropolitan Region, Australia
The 3 day Conference will be held in the Melbourne Metropolitan Region and is hosted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), at their Melbourne City Campus with a field trip to Templestowe & RMIT’s laboratories.
More details here - www.bioenergy.org.nz/event/anzbc-conference-and-study-tour-2019
 2019 Bio Innovation Week
November 11 to 15, State Library of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Monday 11th - Regional Satellite events
- Tuesday 12th - Regional Satellite events. Bio Innovation Week cocktail reception
- Wednesday 13th - Bioenergy STRONG Conference Day 1. Bioenergy Innovation Awards Evening.
- Thursday 14th - Bioenergy STRONG Conference Day 2.
- Friday 15th - Asia Pacific Bioeconomy Policy Summit. Globally Engaging Networking Event (GENE2019). Optional Site visits.
Tickets available soon at www.bioenergyaustralia.org.au/home
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Bioenergy Knowledge Centre
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Resources in the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre can be accessed free by members and by purchase by non members at www.bioenergy.org.nz/bioenergy-knowledge-centre.
Not a member? - Then give us a call on 0274 771 048 or email us at admin@bioenergy.org.nz to discuss your needs.
View the latest resources added to the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre below.
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Miscanthus exhibits very low nitrogen leaching
Jeff Brown
Report on field trials to investigate Miscanthus under wasterwater irrigation and measure nitrogen leaching losses. Miscanthus, an Asian perennial rhizomatous grass, is grown as a biofuel crop in Europe1. It’s efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway delivers very high dry matter yields. Fonterra’s Miscanthus investigations focus on co-firing with coal in factory boilers to reduce CO2 emissions, however other environmental benefits are possible.
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/miscanthus-nitrogen-leaching
Rarotonga waste-to-energy feasibility study
Te Aponga Uira, Rarotonga
This report presents the findings of a feasibility study of the potential for a Waste to Energy Plant for Rarotonga. The research and analysis that supports this report was conducted by KEMA in 2012.
www.biogas.org.nz/resource/te-aponga-uira-final-waste-to-energy-feasibility-study
Bioenergy for heat - the Hot Cases
This reports on fifteen case studies that show real life examples of modern and sustainable heating as well as co-generation of green electricity through biomass firing.
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/iea-bioenergy-task-32-biomass-combustion-and-co-firing
Best practice report on decentralized biomass fired CHP plants and status of biomass fired small and micro-scale CHP technologies -
In this report the most relevant technologies, including steam engines, ORC applications, Stirling engines and thermoelectric generators, the most important technical parameters and operational results, and experiences and boundary conditions for application are described and presented in fact sheets.
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/iea-bioenergy-task-32-biomass-combustion-and-co-firing
The future role of Thermal Biomass Power in renewable energy systems - a study of Germany
In this analysis, development of the European electricity system is projected highlighting a thermal-dominated area, exemplified by Germany. The role of biomass technologies towards 2040 is analysed in two scenarios using a mathematical model of electricity systems reproducing the day-ahead market dispatch and future development of the generation fleet.
www.usewoodfuel.org.nz/resource/iea-bioenergy-task-32-biomass-combustion-and-co-firing
Waste Incineration for the future - Scenario analysis and action plans
This report presents narratives of two different configurations of a future circular economy in Sweden, and the journey that led there.
www.biogas.org.nz/resource/iea-bioenergy-task-36-waste-incineration-for-the-future
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Bioenergy Knowledge Centre
Search the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre for conference proceedings, webinar presentations and reports relevant to New Zealand, Australia, SE Asia and the Pacific bioenergy sectors. Click here to begin searching. Members have full access to all the resources in the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre. Non-members may contact us to purchase copies.
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Improved promotion opportunities for Members
Reminder - work with us to promote your business
Bioenergy Association has 2300 followers
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Contribute to growing the sector and setting best practice standards
The Association is a collective of people who believe that by working as a group we can make more progress than by acting individually. A quarter of membership fees is a contribution to a pool of money to fund activities to grow the sector and develop best practice standards. If you want to work with others to ensure that bioenergy solutions contribute to a sustainable future you should join the Association.
Support to grow your business
The Association provides free individual and confidential advice and support to each of its members to assist them grow their business or solve problems. If you have a bioenergy related matter where you would like assistance contact the Executive Officer. This could be related to the market, support for individual proposals or discussion of the business case for a proposal with an independent person. Association staff may not know the answer but they can point you to an expert who does know the answer.
Extend your profile through workshops and webinars
Participate in Association hosted webinars and workshops to extend your profile and your network of others in the sector. As a webinar speaker you can extend your network of contacts. If you have a topic which you would like to lead a discussion on contact the Executive Officer who will assist you prepare the idea for a webinar. As a member this is free exposure to hundreds of potential attendees you wouldn't otherwise reach. Event promotion is sent to up to 2300 potentially interested people.
News and advertising of products and services
Members are welcome to provide news for the Bioflash. The Bioflash is sent to around 1200 recipients across the sector each month according to the topics covered. If you have a product or service or have participated in a project you would like to shout about then find the news angle and we will share it with hundreds of readers of the Bioflash.
Contact an Expert
Members are listed in a Contact an Expert directory. Each member has an associated profile page where NZ and Australian specific information, case studies, contact details etc are set out. The size of the profile depends on membership levels - Silver and Gold Members get a larger profile. See examples here www.bioenergy.org.nz/contact-expert.
Members should:
- check their online company profile - are your profiles upto date and nd relevant to the Australasian markets?
- check your online project case studies - do we have them?
- are the projects you have been involved with listed in the Bioenergy Facilities Directory?
- is your expertise appropriately described?
Members may now also advertise brands and products through advertising on the website.
- advertising - the new sites have dedicated advertising space - contact us for more.
Promotion of products and services
The suite of Association websites provides opportunities to improve promotion of members' products and services.
Members are able to promote products in the equipment catalogues on the relevant website. A number of products listings are free to members according to the level of membership.
Contact admin@bioenergy.co.nz to have your profiles updated or replaced. Also ask us about advertising packages and rates.
LinkedIn
The association has set up discussion groups on LinkedIn. These are for members to communicate more widely with the public. Join the discussion group www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=4554869&trk=my_groups-tile-grp
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Bioenergy Association welcomes news, advertising and articles from members.
Contact the Executive Officer.
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