Two renewable natural gas initiatives launched by Powerco

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20 March 2024

Yesterday Powerco was pleased to announce two initiatives to develop renewable natural gas for use in its network – signalling tangible steps they’re taking to make low-carbon gas options a reality for customers. 

You’ll find some key points about the announcement and its importance for the future of energy in Aotearoa below, and further information visit the Powerco website.

  • A link to a lightbox of photos taken yesterday is here.

If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.  Powerco GM Gas Don Elers and Renewable Gas Manager David Hendry are both available for comment.

Key points 

About the announcement 

  • Powerco has announced two initiatives to develop renewable natural gas for use in its network. 
  • The partnerships with Manawatū District Council and Midwest Disposals will see the gas and electricity distributor investigate the upgrading of the landfill gas and biogas produced at two sites to renewable natural gas. 
  • Over the next 12 months the team will be working to conduct technical analysis and engineering design to understand upgrading plant and transport methods required to bring the biogas to pipeline specification and inject into the network. 
  • These initiatives are part of Powerco’s commitment to use renewable natural gas in its networks in the future. 

The potential for renewable natural gas 

  • Biogas has the potential to bring together the energy, agricultural, manufacturing and waste sectors to create tangible environmental and economic benefits through capturing and using organic gas emissions.   
  • Powerco recently co-commissioned a report with Clarus and Ecogas on the potential to capture and use biogas in New Zealand. 
  • That report found that New Zealand has the potential to produce 23.4PJ of biogas a year, which is more than enough to meet residential demand. 
  • Once biogas is upgraded into renewable natural gas, it is chemically identical to natural gas, so can be used in existing gas infrastructure and customer appliances. 
  • More information and a copy of the report is available on the Powerco website here.

The future of gas in Aotearoa New Zealand 

  • Gas will continue to be a critical part of New Zealand’s energy mix, providing reliable and affordable supply to customers as we move to becoming net-zero as a country by 2050. 
  • Powerco is investigating sustainable alternatives to the natural gas it currently delivers so it can continue to provide customers with lower carbon gas options.