New Zealand’s Bioenergy Association welcomes consultation on forestry policy

In New Zealand, the Bioenergy Association welcomed consultation on the government’s draft Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan, and the better utilisation of New Zealand’s vast forestry resource.

Rob Mallinson, convenor of the Bioenergy Association’s Solid Biofuels Group, says bioenergy from forestry residues, will support New Zealand’s energy system as pressure on the electricity sector is further exacerbated by increasing demand.

“New Zealand’s renewable electricity resources are already coming under increasing strain as we phase out our off-shore natural gas fields, and ramp up use of electricity for transport.” “Greater use of bioenergy and biofuels can ensure that electricity is available for applications where it is best used, and can help to spread the load and reduce reliance on coal for electricity generation.” “Better support for the energy system overall will also help ease demand for the use of coal for process heat and electricity generation,” he says.