Legislation and standards for waste to energy and biogas
Legislation and regulation
The key focus of legislation and regulations pertaining to biogas in New Zealand largely cover odor and environmental effects (including waste management and pollution prevention) and the generation of renewable energy. Safety is an additional issue. Key pieces of legislation include:
Government Policies
- The Resource Management Act 1991
- New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011 - 2021 : Developing our energy potential and the NZEECS 2011 - 2016
- Unlocking our energy productivity and renewable potential and the NZEECS 2017 - 2022
- National Policy Statement (NPS) for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011
- Draft Climate Change (Stationary Energy and Industrial Processes) Regulations 2009
- New Zealand Waste Strategy
- New Zealand Emissions Reduction Plan
Government roles and resources
The key Government Ministries involved in the regulation of (or with an interest in) biogas generation in New Zealand can be found here.
Technical guides
World Biogas Association is developing an international best practice guide to investigating, designing and operating AD facilities. Bioenergy Association is participating in this project and working drafts are available here.
New Zealand follows the ISO international standards:
- ISO 23898
Use the Biogas Publications and Resources page to find useful standards and technical guides
- Technical Guide 13: Design, construction, operation of AD equipment for farm waste treatment
- NZS 5442