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 Members and friends
With the opening of the conversion of the Fonterra Te Awamutu Dairy Factory boiler to using wood pellets as fuel, and the announcement that Fonterra’s next conversion to biomass fuel will be the Stirling dairy factory, the stationary heat sector demonstrates a confidence that biomass fuel is a main stream energy source. Coupled with the other large conversions such as the Christchurch hospital, and other food processors, there is a growing recognition that there is adequate biomass available to meet future demand for solid biofuels.
These large facilities are each built on long term partnerships between the heat plant operator and their fuel supplier. Fuel suppliers themselves are establishing long term partnership with the raw biomass producer – farmers, forest owners, harvesters and processors.
Like many manufacturing business who have partnerships for the long term supply of their raw materials, solid biofuel supply should be treated the same way.
A number of new heat plant owners are looking at the often 30 year supply of solid biofuel which they will need and adopting strategies which manage their fuel supply risk. Some are hedging supply risk by investing in their own woodlots, or using spare land to grow fast growing energy fuel such as miscanthus, or short rotation trees such as eucalyptus.
There is no doubt that there will be adequate biomass to meet demand, but we will need to manage supply so that farmers, forest owners and other land owners recognise that producing biomass for preparation into a fuel provides another cash flow which improves the resilience of their business. Partnerships between biomass growers, solid biofuel suppliers, and stationary heat plant owners provides a sound foundation for managing fuel supply risk.
Brian Cox
Executive Officer
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New Zealand, Australia & the Pacific
Bioenergy News
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 Fonterra Te Awamutu dairy factory converts to using wood pellets
Fonterra’s $12million conversion of a 43 megawatt coal boiler to use wood pellets at its Te Awamutu dairy factory was recognised by the Minister of Energy Resources Hon Megan Woods on 27 July.
The fuel supplied by Natures Flame under a long term partnership contract ensures that fuel supply security is sound. At the launch Fonterra emphasised that long term partnering with fuel suppliers was their method for managing fuel supply risk.
Case study
 Fonterra announces Stirling dairy factory to convert to wood fuel
Otago’s Stirling dairy factory will be coal free and using wood biomass to fire the site by August next year. This will make Stirling Fonterra’s first 100% renewable thermal energy site, a significant step towards the Co-op’s goal of getting out of coal all together by 2037.
Fonterra General Manager Operations Lower South Island, Richard Gray said “As well as the site being coal free there are additional environmental benefits the new boiler will bring, including reduction in wastewater, noise, solid waste to landfill and air discharge emissions. There are also economic benefits for the community – the installation will contribute more than $10 million into the region, along with supporting an estimated 10 jobs in the wood biomass industry.”
The wood biomass will be sourced from Pioneer Energy under a long term partnership arrangement.
Fonterra announcement
Convert Marsden Point to refine biocrude says Bioenergy Association
a Carbon News article, July 2021
 THE government is asleep at the wheel and should be pushing for the Marsden Point Refinery to be repurposed to refine bio-crude, says the executive officer of the Bioenergy Association
Shareholders in Refining NZ voted on August 6 to close the country’s only petroleum refinery at Marsden Point in Northland, and switch instead to importing pre-refined fuels.
Brian Cox says the refinery has had a death wish for some time and hasn’t been exploring what it could do to help transition New Zealand to a low carbon economy.
He says the government needs to broaden its focus from renewable electricity and hydrogen and develop a bioenergy strategy.
More here
 MicroBioGen genetically modified yeast could be key to renewable liquid fuels
An Australian biotechnology company has developed a genetically modified yeast that can efficiently and affordably produce a low carbon biofuel and high protein food product. Sydney-based MicroBioGen’s genetically modified yeast improves on existing ethanol production techniques by converting hard-to-catalyse sugars from non-food feedstocks into biofuel, with the bonus of creating a high-value feed from the waste by-product. Ethanol is a high octane fuel that can be blended with petrol or used at high concentrations with minor modifications.
More here
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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.
 Stirling wood fuel supply
a Pioneer Energy member announcement
Pioneer Energy is often asked why its fuel supply partnership contracts are so popular. Richard Ireland, Manager Wood Energy Solutions said that "Being awarded the Stirling Contract reinforces Pioneer Energy's partnership model, where we work in collaboration with Suppliers and Customers to fulfill and meet contract requirements. The Partnership model affords greater security and mitigation of risk while also pursuing a continual improvement model, Pioneer's experience in the whole of lifecycle cost (Fuel delivered to Energy delivered) comes to the forefront as customers benefit from this IP as we build individual supply strategies for particular sites and infrastructure, Pioneer is privileged to be working so closely with Fonterra in this instance".
 Polytechnik Biomass Energy busy with three large new boiler installations
a Polytechnik Biomass Energy member announcement
Christian Jirkowsky, Managing Director of Polytechnik Biomass Energy, is pleased with the increased transition to biomass fuels for large stationary heat production. “We are now busy with three large system installations at the Fonterra Stirling dairy factory, Christchurch hospital, and the new laminated engineered wood planks plant in Gisborne. These large heat supply applications show the confidence that people now have in biomass energy to meet their long term heating requirements.“
Contact Christian Jirkowsky
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Gold members
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Silver members
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International Bioenergy News
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New torrefaction plant for herbaceous biomass
Wild and Partner, Andritz Group and Polytechnik have developed a new torrefaction process with research grants from the Austrian state/EU which can also use Miscanthus to produce renewable fuels which are perfect for coal boiler conversions.
The technology is now owned by NextFuel.
View technology at NextFuel and more here
 Union Pacific boosts biofuel blends in trains
In Nebraska, Union Pacific locomotives will be getting a boost of biodiesel fuel. Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, approved the use of up to 20% biodiesel blend in specific EMD locomotive series operated by the railroad. Previously, the locomotives were approved to operate at 5%.
More here
 Human-caused methane emissions can be reduced by up to 45 percent this decade
A Global Methane Assessment released on May 6, 2021, by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that human-caused methane emissions can be reduced by up to 45 percent this decade. Such reductions would avoid nearly 0.3°C of global warming by 2045 and would be consistent with keeping the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (1.5˚C) within reach.
More here
 Anaerobic digestion overlooked as immediate mitigation solution
With the recently published Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth assessment report alarming on climate change, the World Biogas Association (WBA) has renewed its call for the potential of the biogas industry to be urgently unlocked so that it can help deliver the “strong, rapid and sustained" reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and in particular methane (CH4) that the IPCC says is needed to address the climate emergency.
More here
The Role of Renewable Transport Fuels in Decarbonising Road Transport
Decarbonising transport is a challenge internationally. Electric mobility powered by renewable electricity will not be able to solve this on its own, and other renewable transport fuels will be needed. A team of IEA experts has assessed the transport sector and its projected development up to 2030 and 2050 for a number of countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, the USA, and Brazil. The analysis is based on current national policies, projections of the vehicle fleet, and on the availability of renewable transport fuels. A key message from the project is that decarbonization of the transport sector can only be reached with a set of measures and fuel/energy options, of which biofuels constitute an important part. There is sufficient biomass available to support the large-scale roll-out of biofuels, and current vehicles can accommodate these amounts.
More here
 Advanced biofuels to decarbonise European transport: Markets, challenges and policies
Frozen food distribution firm Reed Boardall has installed a new bio-LNG refuelling station at its base in Boroughbridge, UK. Owned and operated by Gasrec, the fully-scalable, skid-mounted station designed by Dutch LNG firm LIQAL will fuel an initial fleet of 30 Volvo FH LNG 6x2 tractor units. The opening of the site is a major step in Reed Boardall’s strategy to transition its 220-strong fleet away from diesel. LIQAL’s compact, prefabricated system requires limited construction time on site and supplies the same fuelling consistency and reliability as a fully-fledged LNG fuelling station.
More here
 Research Library for the Organics Recycling industry completed
The development of a Research Library for the Organics Recycling industry has recently been launched and is an online platform compiled of research undertaken across the composting and anaerobic digestion industries, with effort being focused particularly on the past decade and on research that is of relevance to the UK.
More here
 ENGIE produces renewable gas from solid non-recyclable waste
A year after successfully producing biomethane from forest biomass, the GAYA platform has produced renewable gas from Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). In the absence of dedicated recycling channels, this type of fuel is mostly made up of waste wood, paper, cardboard and plastic resulting from economic activities. ENGIE’s demonstrator has validated the integrated operation of the entire chain of innovative technologies under industrial conditions. This configuration maximises the production of renewable gas. Based on the work already undertaken, ENGIE plans to build a first industrial unit in Le Havre, France, starting in 2023, the SALAMANDRE project. From 2026, this will allow 70,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste per year to be used to produce up to 150 GWh of renewable gas, equivalent to the consumption of 670 urban buses. In addition, the multi-energy process will allow production of 45 GWh of renewable heat to meet urban and industrial needs. As an alternative to landfill, which is due to be phased out, the GAYA chain is positioned as the channel of reference for making use of non-recyclable waste to produce a storable renewable gas, which can substitute for natural gas and as such has multiple end uses: sustainable mobility, industry, the tertiary sector.
More here
 The world's first comprehensive energy roadmap to net zero by 2050
In May 2021 IEA published the world’s first comprehensive study to lay out a cost-effective transition to a net zero energy system while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth. The Roadmap sets out more than 400 milestones. It shows the priority actions that are needed today to ensure the opportunity of net-zero emissions by 2050 – narrow but still achievable – is not lost. The scale and speed of the efforts demanded by this critical but the best chance of tackling climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
The model predicts a 98% decline of natural gas for heating purposes. For non-thermal applications the supply of low‐emissions gases, such as hydrogen, synthetic methane, biogas and biomethane will rise from 2 EJ in 2020 to 17 EJ in 2030 and 50 EJ in 2050
More here
 US Federal resources supporting AD
One of President Biden’s Clean Energy initiatives includes partnering with farmers, ranchers and businesses engaged in livestock production to implement environmentally sound agriculture practices and deploy methane digesters that generate new sources of energy and revenue. Agriculture producers and businesses engaged in the livestock industry are facing methane emissions remediation issues that impact the future economic viability of the industry. The addition of an anaerobic digestion system not only solves the emission problem but provides another source of income. Anaerobic digesters convert livestock waste into value added renewable energy including renewable natural gas (RNG), electricity, or combined heat and power (CHP) and value-added products such as fertilizers, compost, biochar, and bedding materials. USDA provides resources to assist smaller livestock (dairy, hog, chicken, beef) operations to form associations/cooperatives that would provide sufficient volume for a technically and financially feasible digester operation.
More here
 California organic waste collection law to support biofuels
In California, an organic waste collection law will go into effect on January 1, 2022 requiring residents and businesses to recycle organic waste and all jurisdictions must provide organic waste collection services. The waste will then be sorted and sent to a composting or biofuel production facility.
More here
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Some events may miss the Bioflash newsletter monthly deadline, so do keep an eye on our events calendar so as not to miss out on any events at www.bioenergy.org.nz/events
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Bioenergy Knowledge Centre
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The Bioenergy Knowledge Centre www.bioenergy.org.nz/bioenergy-knowledge-centre, holds 1300+ searchable documents including workshop and webinar presentations, media releases/ statements, technical reports, information sheets, submissions, and technical guides on bioenergy and biofuels relevant to New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific. Access is free to members, an administration fee is charged to non members. Below is a brief summary of some recently added resources.
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 Progress in the commercialization of biojet / sustainable aviation fuels: technologies, potential and challenges
an IEA Bioenergy, Task 39 report
More here
 Bioenergy Association webinar series
The On-demand webinar collection is easily accessed according to a simplified search function and abstract of each webinar.
Search the webinar listing
 Reducing emissions with renewable gas
Monday, 2 August 2021 | 4:00PM-5.00PM (NZST)
Presenters: Eleanor Grant (Beca), Ben Gerritsen (Firstgas) and Tony Oosten (Fonterra)
This webinar is a sister-session to the 22 July Bioenergy Association webinar 'Unlocking New Zealand's renewable gas potential'. This webinar focused on how renewable gas can help reduce company and national emissions.
Webinar recording available here
 Transitioning to a low emissions business by using biomass fuels
Thursday, 29 July 2021 | 2:00PM (NZST )
Presenter: Kevin Liao (Fonterra)
In this webinar Fonterra outlined how the Te Awamutu site 43MW coal boiler has been converted to wood pellets. They discussed the challenges of transitioning large heat using facilities. Anyone interested in how bioenergy and biofuels could contribute to a sustainable low carbon future were encouraged to attend this webinar.
Webinar recording available here
 Unlocking New Zealand's biomethane potential
Thursday, 22 July 2021 | 2:00PM (NZST )
Presenters: Tony Vranjes (Firstgas) and Jack Timings (Beca)
This webinar provided a summary of the 'Biogas and Biomethane in NZ report' study results; outlined the opportunities for replacing natural gas with biomethane; and showed why transitioning to renewable gas is important for NZ
Webinar recording available here
 Replacing fossil fuels with bioenergy for covered horticulture is now mainstream
30 June, presented by Sohum Gandhi (Enriva)
With the large amount of covered horticulture that is transitioning from fossil fuels to using bioenergy it is time to see what we have learnt and share that information with growers who are considering moving from fossil fuels.
This webinar will use a number of case studies to show how successful moving to bioenergy has been and be a forum for asking questions and learning from the best.
Webinar recording available here
 CO2 capture and high efficiency biomass energy technologies for greenhouses
22 June, presented by Graham Jolly (Windsor Energy) and Kevin Vandewalle (Vyncke)
The focus of this webinar was to provide examples of CCU (carbon capture and utilisation) systems and high efficiency technologies in biomass energy plants used in horticulture heating in The Netherlands.
Webinar recording available here
 Using bioenergy for industry decarbonisation involves thinking smart
15 June, presented by Jonathan Pooch (DETA Consulting)
This webinar outlined the opportunities and suggests how the transition from fossil fuels can be managed and integrated into a strategic transition programme. The presentation used practical New Zealand based examples to demonstrate how biomass fuelled solutions can be optimised.
Webinar recording available here
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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. More here
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 us
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.
Members should:
- check their online company profile - are your profiles upto date and 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.
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Conference