In New Zealand, work by two recently completed Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programs will pave the way for future efforts towards a potential biofuels industry in New Zealand from forestry residues and reduced emissions from the fumigant methyl bromide. Source: Biofuels Digest
The Stump to Pump PGP program, led by Norske Skog Tasman and Z Energy, has concluded its study into the commercial viability of a biofuels business in New Zealand from Radiata Pine residues.
“This program has provided a significant amount of technical understanding around the potential to produce biofuels from forestry waste,” said Justine Gilliland, Director PGP at the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“The program has completed a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of all key aspects from feedstock characteristics and availability, to design and technical viability of a test plant, to fuel distribution and logistics.
“The program concluded that a biofuels business in New Zealand from forestry has potential over the longer term. With program partners Norske Skog Tasman and Z Energy leading the program together it has been possible to identify and consider all the issues from source to end product, which has been immensely valuable.
“Having gained confidence that it is technically feasible, the next stage is to firm up the commercial viability and ensure that the products meet specifications for the intended markets and applications.
“This work may take 2-3 years and will be industry funded, at which point there is an opportunity to potentially continue towards plant development and ultimately commercialization.”
