First Renewables has officially confirmed the commencement of production at its biogas upgrade facility at the Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility in Broadlands, New Zealand. This marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's journey toward sustainable energy, with renewable gas now flowing through a Firstgas pipeline for the first time.
James Irvine, General Manager of Future Fuels at Clarus, expressed enthusiasm over the achievement, calling it a pivotal moment for the country's gas infrastructure. “We are thrilled to confirm that renewable gas is now flowing through a Firstgas pipeline for the first time, marking a pivotal moment not only for the gas industry but for New Zealand's journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future,” said Irvine.
At the Ecogas Reporoa facility, food scraps and other organic waste are transformed into biogas, which is then upgraded into biomethane. This biomethane is injected into the Firstgas pipeline, which supplies residential and commercial users. Additionally, BioCO2 is produced as part of the system and will be supplied to a nearby glasshouse to enhance tomato growth in the near future.
“Our initial estimates show this facility alone can supply enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by 11,000 tonnes per year, and because it's chemically identical to natural gas, there are no changes required for gas users or their appliances,” explained Irvine.
Fraser Jonker, Managing Director of Ecogas, emphasized the broader impact of the project, saying, “This is an exciting step forward for not only Ecogas and First Renewables but for Aotearoa as a whole. Our mission is to close the food and energy loop. By transforming a ‘waste' product into a renewable gas, we are another step forward on this journey that ultimately supports environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic development in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
