Christchurch is a big step closer to having its household organic waste transformed into bioenergy and fertiliser with Environment Canterbury’s decision to grant Ecogas a resource consent for its proposed Ōtautahi Christchurch Regional Organics Processing Facility.

GasNZ recently signed up to the Energy Transition Framework – a diverse group of energy sector participants, focussed on collaborating to ensure energy remains secure, affordable and abundant, while supporting a high-growth economy. 

Following the recent Biogas Bridge forum, three new members have joined GasNZ, enthused about the potential of biogas. 

Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial gas-fired water boilers can be reduced significantly with the addition of modestly-sized electric heating elements in an in-situ research project undertaken by Rinnai’s Kez Shruthi. 

Clarus, Contact, Genesis, Meridian and Mercury collaborated to explore the option to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) and assessed the role LNG could play to meet New Zealand’s future gas demand.  

Biogas and biomethane’s potentially significant role in New Zealand’s energy system was reinforced – and endorsed by the Government – at the Biogas Bridge forum held in Wellington in July. 

Energy security requires all parts of the energy system to understand the inter-dependencies between them, attendees at GasNZ’s Matariki networking function were told.

Last week, GasNZ responded to the government’s proposals to amend the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and Litter Act 1979.

GasNZ gave its support to a single Infrastructure Industry Skills Board in a submission to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

The GasNZ board has discussed the requirement to avoid anti-competitive discussion between members and meeting participants, as defined under the Commerce Act.

GasNZ is publishing and launching a comprehensive membership programme to ensure the package of benefits it offers to members is visible and accessible.

The Bioenergy Association of NZ and EECA engaged Toitū Envirocare to develop a biogas and biomethane greenhouse gas accounting methodology to use as an agreed standard within the emerging renewable gas sector within New Zealand.

The draft of a revised specification for reticulated gas (NZS 5442) is open for public consultation until 2 June 2025. 

The gas sector has been invited to contribute to two government agency consultations - one a review of emergency management legislation, and the other on waste management regulations. 

GasNZ has produced first aid and clinical advice for the treatment of cold LPG burns.

A Standard that’s integral to the distribution of gas across New Zealand – both for natural gas and LPG networks – is being comprehensively reviewed to bring it up to date.

GasNZ's LPG training and certification system continues to be high demand - both its online resources and tests and its portfolio of printed workbooks and guides.

This month’s Australian Renewable Fuels Week conference in Sydney highlighted the tangible momentum of the domestic bioenergy sector across the Tasman.

GasNZ chief executive Jeffrey Clarke recently spoke to the Environment Select Committee about renewable gas, and its huge potential in New Zealand. 

Natural gas is critical to the New Zealand energy system according to the chief executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Marcos Pelenur.