NZ’s first renewable gas stream readying for pipeline from next year

First Gas’s James Irvine, Future Fuels GM and Ben Gerritsen, GM Customer and Regulatory

Firstgas Group company, First Renewables Limited, and Ecogas are gearing up to to blend bio-methane and natural gas from the second quarter of 2024.

The project is a New Zealand first and paves the way for further developments across the country.

First Renewables Limited, a Firstgas Group company, has purchased upgrading technology to turn Ecogas’ biogas into pipeline ready biomethane, the low carbon equivalent of natural gas. The equipment is due to arrive in the country by September 2023 and installed at the Ecogas site.

James Irvine, Future Fuels General Manager at Firstgas Group explains that once up and running the initial production estimates from Ecogas’ Organics Processing Facility in Reporoa, will initially supply enough renewable gas equivalent to supplying up to 7,200 homes, to enjoy the benefits of renewable gas in their existing appliances, avoiding about 11,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

GasNZ’s aspiration is that renewable gases are a material part of the energy mix by 2030. The organisation returned last week from a renewable gas tour of Australia with key GasNZ companies and stakeholders.

Chief Executive, Janet Carson said the potential of renewable gases is slowly but surely being realised as demonstrated by the Ecogas/First Gas project and the many examples of biogas plants being developed in Australia.

Internationally, renewable gas has been identified as a key pillar of decarbonisation. There are more than 203 operational biogas facilities in Germany and Denmark, and those countries are currently using biomethane to supply 20% of their natural gas grid, with a goal to increase to 100% by 2050.

James says we need to follow what’s happening elsewhere and pick up the reins.

“Firstgas would like to see the development of multiple renewable gas to pipeline facilities in New Zealand, that could produce enough gas to supply all residential users and three quarters of commercial gas users with low carbon gas, equivalent to taking 415,000 petrol cars off our roads.”

For Ecogas it is about the potential of a circular economy and the wide range of benefits it brings.

“This joint project is a great example of a low carbon circular economy in action. Anaerobic digestion is the most environmentally responsible way to recycle organic waste and works in tandem with cities and towns facing waste challenges and companies trying to reduce their emissions,” says Ecogas General Manager, Alzbeta Bouskova.

“At its full capacity, the Ecogas facility produces renewable energy, biofertiliser and soon renewable gas from 75,000 tonnes of inedible food scraps and other organic residues.

“In addition to Auckland, we’re extending collection points, and seeking interest from other councils, businesses and food processors who want to get involved in taking their food waste full circle.”