Wood energy projects
EECA supports the development of the wood energy sector by providing advice and support on both the supply and demand side.
Between 2007 and 2010, EECA administered a wood energy grants programme, as part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's FIDA (Forestry Industry Development Agenda). Although the three-year grants programme has now closed, EECA is continuing to promote the case studies and learning that resulted.
Wood energy case studies
A selection of wood energy projects supported by EECA are summarised below. For more information about wood energy in your sector, browse our full case studies section.
Glenmoor School - Wood a cleaner alternative
Glenmoor School installed a wood energy boiler for heating - and in the process they have slashed their emissions and reduced their heating costs. See how Glenmoor School is demonstrating leadership to its students and the local community.
> Watch the case study [VIDEO]
Ernslaw Bioenergy - Mobile wood chipper
Ernslaw Bio-Energy's new mobile wood chipper adds value to low-grade logs, producing about 13 tonnes of wood chips an hour. The chipper means Ernslaw Bio-Energy will be well-placed to take advantage of an expected increase in the use of wood-chip boilers.
> Read the case study [PDF]
Dongwha Patinna - energy audit unlocks $288,000 of savings
A thermal energy audit of South Island MDF producer Dongwha Patinna identified seven energy management opportunities, and a buyer for excess fuel produced onsite - which together could be worth up to $288,000 a year.
> Read the case study [PDF]
Cashmere High - Wood energy in schools
Cashmere High School has future-proofed its energy supply by switching from coal to renewable wood energy to heat its classrooms. The new wood-fired boilers installed in May 2008 produce around five times less particulate emissions than a typical school coal boiler. Carbon emissions have reduced by 216 tonnes per year and the wood-fired system is 14% more efficient.
> Read the case study [PDF]
Southern Pine - New wood fuel production
Southern Pine Products is making the most of its waste products by turning MDF dust into combustible briquettes for boiler fuel. The saving in landfill costs is around $180,000 a year and the sale of briquettes provides a new revenue stream.
> Read the case study [PDF]
Titoki Healing Centre - Wood energy in hospitality
A wood pellet-fired boiler is proving considerably cheaper than electricity for heating the Bay of Plenty‘s Titoki Healing Centre. Fully automated and fed by a 3-tonne hopper topped up by the truckload, the 50kW system operates virtually hands-free and can also supplement the centre's solar-powered hot water system.
> Read the case study [PDF]
More information
- Find out more about wood energy at the Wood Energy Knowledge Centre
- Wood Energy - using wood as a renewable energy source [PDF 620KB]
