Bio-energy
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) administer the FIDA Bio-energy Working Group.
The work programme is based around three themes described below.
Theme A - information provision
Initiatives under this theme are a survey of co-generation options, and a Knowledge Centre (a Bioenergy Gateway) for commercial implementation of woody biomass/bio-energy solutions.
Theme B - engineering solutions
This will involve customising potential bio-energy harvest and handling equipment to New Zealand conditions.
Theme C - pre-commercial assistance
Initiatives under this theme could include support for bio-energy demonstration projects and feasibility studies on bio-energy.
Other Related EECA Activities
EECA currently has a programme, Industrial Process Heat (IPH), focusing primarily on promoting the uptake of woody biomass as a fuel for heat plant and/or electricity generation. This programme has been conducted prior to and independently of the FIDA. The following projects have been completed or are in progress:
- A survey of forest waste in the central and southern North Island;
- A publication on the merits of co-firing woody biomass with coal;
- A publication on drying woody biomass prior to burning;
- Creation of a nation wide data base of all heat plant greater than one megawatt;
- A study to develop the economics of recovering forest residue;
- A scoping study to develop an information handbook on the use of woody biomass as a fuel.