Ecogas opens flagship bioenergy facility
Scion’s pilot-level research has culminated in Ecogas launching New Zealand’s first commercial scale anaerobic digestion bioenergy plant, showcasing the power of partnership.
Energy and Resources Minister Hon. Megan Woods officially opened the Reporoa facility in October 2022, six years after the technology was first piloted.
Scion scientists were involved in de-risking the key technologies used in the facility during its early planning and development phase. The relationship with Ecogas continues today as Scion explores further research opportunities with them to enhance bioenergy production.
Fully operational, the $30 million plant can turn 75,000 tonnes of organic food waste collected from households and businesses around the North Island into renewable clean energy and biofertiliser. Heat generated from biogas will warm T&G Global’s tomato greenhouses located nearby. Carbon dioxide produced at the facility will also be pumped in to enhance plant growth.
The glasshouses require a similar amount of energy as about 2,000 homes – all now provided by biogas.
Minister Woods says the Government is committed to establishing a circular economy with a thriving bioeconomy by 2050, adding the facility provides strong evidence of what can be achieved through partnerships.