Thanks to extensive research and close monitoring of international efforts, we’re planning our route towards distributing cleaner, more energy efficient renewable gas including hydrogen and biomethane.
Gas is changing
Clarus believes renewable gas has a big part to play in New Zealand’s energy future and we're right behind it.
Sourced: Clarus
At Clarus, we want Kiwis to keep enjoying the benefits of gas while keeping New Zealand clean and green.
Renewable Energy Explained
Renewable Energy Explained
When we talk about renewable gas and our renewable gas projects, here are some common terms we use, and what they mean. Watch our video to learn what key renewable gas terms mean and how they relate to our renewable gas projects.
Sourced: iStock
Renewable Gas
Renewable gas is widely used to describe gases that do not produce additional GHG emissions when combusted. There are two primary forms of renewable gas: Renewable hydrogen or green hydrogen and Biomethane. Generally, renewable gases (or some form of blended renewable gases) can be relatively easily stored in large volumes within existing gas networks.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen (H2) is the most abundant element in the universe. When used, hydrogen does not release any carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogen gas can be used as a substitute for natural gas in various industrial uses, including for heating, power production and as feedstock.
Renewable hydrogen or green hydrogen is produced by using renewable electricity to separate hydrogen from water. Learn more about green hydrogen here.
Sourced: iStock
Biomethane
We define biomethane consistently with GasNZ*, being methane produced from renewable sources like digested organic waste and gasified biomass. It has the same chemical make up as natural gas. It is a less emissions intensive form of methane - produced by further processing or “scrubbing” of biogas. In New Zealand, biomethane is biogas that has been upgraded to meet the pipeline gas specification (NZS5442 in New Zealand).
Biogas
A renewable energy source containing a mixture of gases, primarily methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. It can be produced from raw materials such as manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste, wastewater, and food waste.
*GasNZ provides a single and consistent voice for all gas fuels. GasNZ members have interests in natural gas, LPG, biogas and hydrogen gas, and represents all parts of the gas chain.
Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility
How Clarus is using biogas
First Renewables, a Clarus company, in partnership with Ecogas’ Reporoa Organics Processing Facility, is leading the way in turning food waste into biomethane, a form of renewable gas. Together, we’re converting biogas, produced through the breakdown of food waste, into biomethane, a clean, renewable gas that’s chemically identical to natural gas.
This biomethane is being blended into a Firstgas pipeline in Reporoa, making it available to thousands of homes. Initial production estimates suggest this single facility could supply enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes annually*.
Food waste is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. When we discard food improperly, we don’t just waste resources, we accelerate climate change, contaminate water, erode soil, and threaten biodiversity.
Through anaerobic digestion, a natural process where micro-organisms break down organic material, we unlock the potential of food scraps. This process produces biogas, which can be used to generate energy, produce clean bio-fertiliser, and capture valuable BioCO₂, and digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct that can improve soil health.
This project is more than just renewable energy, it’s a step toward a circular economy, where waste becomes a resource and sustainability powers progress. By rethinking how we handle food waste, we’re helping build a cleaner, more resilient energy future for New Zealand.
Food scraps become incredibly valuable when transformed into biogas
Food scraps become incredibly valuable when transformed into biogas
Sourced: Te Horo Hydrogen
New Zealand’s first hydrogen blending pilot
Hydrogen is a cleaner alternative to natural gas. It can be produced by electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When that electricity comes from renewable resources like wind or solar, the process creates no new carbon emissions, and the hydrogen produced is known as “green” hydrogen.
Firstgas, part of Clarus, has completed New Zealand’s first hydrogen blending pilot, together with its partners Vector, Powerco, Nova Energy and GasNet. Over 16 weeks from June to October 2025, fourteen pioneering households in Te Horo, on the Kāpiti Coast, received a gas blend starting at 3.5% hydrogen up to 12% by volume, (which translates to 3% energy delivered), through the existing gas distribution network.
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