Spotlight on energy projects

EECA follows and shares the progress of clean and clever energy projects around New Zealand, particularly if we have contributed co-funding to the project. 

Azwood wood pellets

Congratulations to Azwood who will supply wood pellets to South Island schools who have made the switch to clean energy from coal. These schools now have security of supply and easier access to well-priced pellets in the long term.

Wood pellets are made from wood waste, generally sawdust. Carbon emitted through burning pellets is more than 90% less compared with coal. As well, ash from coal is highly toxic and needs to be taken to the landfill, whereas ash from wood pellets can be sprinkled on the garden, and there is significantly less ash.

For schools, wood pellet boilers save up to eight hours a week of a caretaker’s time dealing with the boiler. The work environment is also cleaner and healthier.

The transition to biomass has already been successful in 52 South Island schools, who have abandoned coal in favour of carbon-neutral wood pellets or chips as part of the Ministry of Education (MOE’s) School Coal Boiler Replacement Programme. This shift not only reduces emissions but also supports sustainable forestry practices, using waste products as fuel.

Insights from EECA's South Island Regional Energy Transition Accelerator report highlight the potential of biomass as a renewable fuel source, leveraging up to $605 million in wood residues from South Island forests over the next 13 years.

Azwood provides Grade A1 pellets, which are the top of the range. All boilers replaced through the Ministry’s programme must use Grade A1 pellets. Their use ensures boilers run as efficiently as possible, while reducing wear and maintaining warranties.

The Ministry's programme is co-funded through the $220 million State Sector Decarbonisation Fund (administered by EECA).

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