Powerco investigating biogas as a renewable natural gas source
Lines company Powerco is investigating a way of creating a renewable gas alternative by using biogas from a wastewater treatment plant and a landfill.
Powerco announced yesterday it was starting work on a programme that could develop renewable natural gas for use in its network.
Powerco will work with the Manawatū District Council at the Feilding wastewater treatment plant and Midwest Disposals, which operates the Bonny Glenn Landfill near Marton, to investigate upgrading landfill gas and biogas produced at the two sites to renewable natural gas.
Don Elers, Powerco’s general manager for gas, said in the next year they would work on technical analysis and engineering designs to bring biogas to the same specifications as coal gas and inject it into the gas network.
“We’re excited by the potential that biogas has to bring to the manufacturing sectors, the agricultural sectors, the waste sector and the energy sector, to create tangible opportunities and economic benefits for New Zealand.”
Elers said it was part of Powerco’s commitment to transition to renewable gas and to continue to provide a reliable, safe and resilient supply of energy.
This had environmental benefits through reducing emissions from organic waste and creating a sustainable alternative to natural gas, he said.
Renewable gas manager David Hendry said the biogas was chemically identical to the natural gas, so would not need any changes to existing infrastructure or appliances.
A Powerco report showed New Zealand produced about 5 petajoules of biogas a year, most of which was not used, but had the potential to produce about 23 petajoules annually.
About 300,000 homes connected to the natural gas network would use about 7 petajoules per year.
Elers said gas was a critical part of New Zealand's energy system, but as renewable electricity generation increased, they would look at sustainable options.
After the 12-month analysis period they would go through a business case and assess other factors such as affordability of the gas and the market price.
If it was viable, Hendry said they were keen to talk to possible partners about more opportunities.
“This is a real opportunity for the waste sector to work with the energy sector, to work with the ag sector, the manufacturing sector,” Elers said. “We need to do a much better job at managing our waste and reduce the environmental impact. That creates opportunity for energy consumers.
“And if we can marry those two things together, that gives us a jump-start on opportunities like this."
Manawatū District Council general manager of infrastructure Hamish Waugh said they wanted to take as much energy and money out of the waste stream as they could for the benefit of the community, and have a minimal effect on the environment.
Powerco’s gas network covers Taranaki, Horowhenua, Porirua, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay.