Energy is changing, and Clarus is right behind the transition. You’re in the right place if you want to know how one of the country’s largest energy groups is innovating, investing in and implementing renewable gas to help us move to a lower emission energy system.
Future of energy
Sourced: Clarus
Proudly powering Kiwis, now and into the future.
We’re proud to power our regions and keep Kiwi lives and businesses energised, now and into the future.
We’re proud to power our regions and keep Kiwi lives and businesses energised, now and into the future.
Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility
Renewable gas
Thousands of Kiwis love the benefits and efficiency that gas provides, from instant heat and precision cooking to endless hot water and a toasty warm home. To help ensure these benefits continue into the future, First Renewables (part of Clarus) has partnered with Ecogas to launch New Zealand’s first facility capable of upgrading biogas into biomethane, a form of renewable gas.
The new facility has already begun transforming biogas into biomethane. Early estimates show it can supply enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes, while reducing CO₂ emissions by 11,000 tonnes per year**. Even better, because biomethane is chemically identical to natural gas, households and businesses can use it with their existing appliances — no changes required.
Our work focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of using New Zealand’s existing gas infrastructure to safely transport renewable gases, so we can trial new technologies, learn from them, and be ready with credible options for the future.
*7,200 houses at an average residential gas demand of 22GJ p.a. = 160TJ p.a. (estimated annual biomethane injected at Broadlands).
**Estimated CO₂ reductions are based on figures from the 2021 Biogas & Biomethane in New Zealand report. The cited 11,000 tonnes CO₂ per year reduction represents approximately 1–2% of the total national reduction potential indicated in that report. Actual reductions may vary depending on operational performance and data assumptions.
Te Horo Hydrogen blending pilot
Te Horo Hydrogen blending pilot
As the country decarbonises and moves towards a net zero carbon future, natural gas will continue to play an important role while we change over to sources of renewable energy. One of these will be renewable gas. Which is what the Te Horo hydrogen blending pilot is all about. Watch our video to learn more.
We’re advancing NZ’s renewable future.
We’re advancing NZ’s renewable future.
Related articles
Renewable gas action plan shows huge potential benefits
How do we achieve renewable gas that meets half of New Zealand’s natural gas demand by 2050? The latest GasNZ document is a brilliant start, says Peter Sandston, Acting GM for Future Fuels at Clarus.
Biomethane action plan could meet half of NZ’s natural gas demand by 2050
A new strategy from GasNZ highlights how renewable gas made from organic waste could help strengthen New Zealand’s energy security while reducing emissions. Biomethane could be a core part of New Zealand’s renewable energy supply by 2035 and meet up to half of natural gas demand by 2050, according to the newly released Biomethane Strategy and Action Plan.
Renewable gas flows in New Zealand pipeline for the first time
First Renewables, is thrilled to confirm that renewable gas is now flowing through a Firstgas pipeline for the first time, marking a pivotal moment not only for the gas industry but for New Zealand’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
From food scraps to renewable energy – how does it work?
How do you turn kumara peel and banana skins into renewable energy and bio fertiliser? Here’s how kerbside food waste is collected in Auckland, processed at Ecogas’ organics processing facility in Reporoa, and then turned into renewable gas once processed through First Renewables biogas upgrade facility at the same site.
Key milestone reached in NZ’s first hydrogen blending project
Firstgas is one step closer to commencing New Zealand’s first Hydrogen Blending Pilot with WorkSafe granting two exemptions to Firstgas to enable the project to move forward.
Tim Lepper: Delivering a NZ first renewable gas upgrade project
Clarus company, First Renewables is close to completing work on an exciting New Zealand-first renewable gas project that will turn food scraps into biomethane.
New e-bike scheme at Clarus is creating good energy on the ride to work
Over the past couple of months Clarus has seen a steady number of its employees ditch their cars on some days, and instead opt for an e-bike as their transport of choice to get them to the office. The latest initiative that has the Clarus team buzzing with excitement is the adoption of Workride, a scheme designed to foster healthier commuting habits among employees.