Biomethane Strategy and Action Plan
Documents
Biomethane Strategy & Action Plan: Summary Document
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Sense Partners report: Systemwide effects of biomethane production in New Zealand
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Biomethane Strategy & Action Plan: Full Evidence Base Document
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What is biomethane?
Biomethane is a low-emissions energy gas made from biogas – a renewable gas produced by microbial break-down of organic materials using a safe and established process called anaerobic digestion (AD).
It is a direct, low-emission substitute for natural gas.
Biomethane can supply half our natural gas needs by 2050.
Benefits to New Zealand
In addition to the energy, there is a powerful argument for investing now to speed the growth of biomethane production in New Zealand.
Conservative modelling by Sense Partners estimates that producing 1 PJ of biomethane delivers at least $61 million in additional benefits – not only for gas producers, but also for local communities and New Zealand as a whole.
These benefits include improved long term energy security, reduced waste and emissions, and the creation of new products such as bioCO2.
By 2035, when biomethane production reaches 5 PJ, these wider benefits are estimated to be worth at least $305 million per year to New Zealand
