Ecogas breaks ground on waste to energy site in Christchurch

Left to right: Ecostock’s Andrew Fisher, Ecogas’s Andy Bedford and Jonathan West from Pioneer Energy

4 November 2025

Work is now under way on Ecogas’s new Ōtautahi Christchurch Regional Organics Processing Facility.

Located in Hornby, once operating in early 2027 the facility will turn up to 100,000 tonnes of organic waste each year into renewable energy, biofertiliser and biomass fuel to support local farms and industry.

Ecogas Chief Executive Peter McClean said the project marks a major milestone for the region. “We’re excited to begin the next stage of work to deliver lasting benefits for Canterbury.

The facility will process household, commercial, and industrial organics from across Canterbury, returning high-value, in-demand products to the regional economy. 

Its biofertiliser and biomass fuel are drop-in substitutes for high-emissions alternatives like imported synthetic fertiliser and coal — helping accelerate Canterbury’s decarbonisation and build regional resilience.

The Christchurch site builds on the success of Ecogas’s Reporoa facility in the central North Island, which processes 75,000 tonnes of organic waste each year into renewable gas and natural fertiliser.

Earlier this year, Ecogas was recognised internationally, winning AD Hero of the Year at the 2025 AD and Biogas Industry Awards in the United Kingdom.