Renewable energy from waste for Christchurch
Ecogas has been selected by Christchurch City Council to provide a long-term solution for the processing of kerbside organics and garden waste.
The Council approved Ecogas as the new long term organics processor, following a multi-stage procurement process.
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says the outcome is a win for both Christchurch and wider Canterbury.
“As a council we’ve been committed to finding a long-term organics processing solution that reduces emissions, avoids odour and allows residents to continue using our three-bin kerbside service.
“The new plant will be designed with sufficient processing capacity for kerbside organics from other councils, as well as commercial producers, so will enable the diversion of organics from landfill to reduce emissions for the whole region.”
The fully contained anaerobic digestion plant will be modelled on Ecogas’ North Island operations in Reporoa, where the company has successfully managed odour in processing Auckland’s kerbside food waste.
It will process organic waste into sustainable products, including renewable electricity, biogas, biofuels and biofertiliser.
The planned development on an industrial site in South Hornby will also process commercial and industrial organic waste with additional capacity for kerbside and garden waste from other councils in the area.
This provides significant opportunities to divert organic waste from landfills and reduce carbon emissions across the wider Canterbury region, Ecogas says.
The renewable energy produced will help Christchurch industry decarbonise through local options for sustainable fuel.
General manager at Ecogas, Alzbeta Bouskova Houghton, says the development demonstrates how well Ecogas aligns with the needs of councils and communities.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Christchurch City Council, and we look forward to making a meaningful impact on the journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future."
The council says the facility will deliver a fundamental change from the existing organics processing plant at in Bromley through fully enclosed operations and technology successfully used in cities around the world, including London, Sydney and Madrid.
Phil Mauger says the outcome is a win for both Christchurch and wider Canterbury.
“As a Council we’ve been committed to finding a long-term organics processing solution that reduces emissions, avoids odour and allows residents to continue using our three-bin kerbside service.
“The new plant will be designed with sufficient processing capacity for kerbside organics from other councils, as well as commercial producers, so will enable the diversion of organics from landfill to reduce emissions for the whole region.”
The location of the long-term solution has been carefully considered, Mauger says. It will be located in an industrial area specifically zoned for that type of activity.
“The plant will deliver a totally different system from how we do things at the existing organics processing plant in Bromley.
“We’re confident the new solution provides an industry-standard, sustainable practice for organics processing, servicing both our growing city and region.’
The new plant is expected to be operational by late 2026.