It’s a confusing time for energy consumers, especially those using gas. We are told on the one hand that our country needs to go 100% electric and that our gas supplies are dwindling. Yet gas remains critical to supporting our country’s variable renewable electricity generation sources – a point that was made crystal clear with the threat of power shortages on the coldest day of the year so far.
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Clarus is committed to pursuing clean energy solutions to help New Zealand reach net zero carbon by 2050. This hub provides information, updates and our latest developments as we look to the future of renewable gas.
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SELMA technology helping to protect the Firstgas distribution network
Firstgas, a Clarus company, is working with Omexon to better detect possible methane (natural gas) leaks early, on the Firstgas distribution network, using Street Evaluating Laser Methane Assessment (SELMA) vehicles.
Resilience and community connectedness at the heart of Firstlight Network
When George Drysdale turned up at Firstlight Network in early 2024 to take up the role of Manager, he was immediately impressed with the unique connection the electricity distribution network had with the Gisborne, Tairawhiti and Wairoa communities.
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.
Cooking with renewable gas in the future
It’s a confusing time for energy consumers, especially those using gas. There are some opinions out there that New Zealand needs to go 100% electric and that for various reasons our gas supplies are dwindling. However, gas remains critical to supporting our country’s variable renewable electricity supply.
ZEVAC technology helping reduce carbon emissions
As part of Clarus' ongoing work to reduce our carbon emissions, two ZEVAC machines are used by our Firstgas transmission and distribution teams to capture gas, compress it and then recycle it back into the pipeline which is estimated to save up to 35 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Energy storage – the essential ingredient to electrification
James Irvine our GM Future Fuels explains why energy storage is the essential ingredient to electrification, and how hydrogen is the most cost-effective solution for long-term energy storage to support growing renewable generation.
James Irvine: Focused on the toughest emissions problems
What brings an international leader in renewable energy to move from Europe to New Plymouth? For James Irvine and his family, it was a combination of an appealing job offer, the opportunity to meaningfully fight climate change, and the fabulous Taranaki lifestyle.
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.
Europe's big push for reliable, popular energy
The European Union is pushing hard to increase its production of biomethane – but why the urgency? And why is biomethane the right choice to help tackle the problem?
Gas fires: the timeless appeal of flames with modern control and convenience
Warmth, light, and beautiful aesthetics – humans have been gathering around fires for over a million years. Despite all the alternatives, we’re still choosing to install fires in our newest homes to this day.
Renewable gas myths busted: Why Hydrogen and biomethane are important to decarbonisation.
When it comes to renewable gases – like biogas, biomethane and green hydrogen – there are plenty of opinions flying around. It’s time to bust a few myths about renewable gas, so here are our top five:
Green Hydrogen's Path to Cleaner Manufacturing
Tackling New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions is a team effort – everyone has a part to play. Households, businesses and government must find ways to reduce emissions so we can reach net zero carbon by 2050.
Firstlight Network keeps communities connected
It’s been an incredibly busy 18 months the Firstlight Network team as they weathered multiple severe weather events in 2023, carried on business as usual, and were welcomed into the Clarus team – changing their name and embedding new systems along the way.
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.
Rockgas part of Clarus is the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2024 Award for Most Satisfied Customers | Bottled Gas
June 20, 2024: Bottled gas is a versatile and affordable way to heat a home or fuel a kitchen, wherever you live in New Zealand. And if you use bottled gas in your home, it’s essential that your supply is not only reliable, but delivers great value for money, too.
Kaitoke Compressor upgrade to improve network resilience
The Firstgas Kaitoke Compressor site is being prepared for the arrival of two new state-of-the-art compressors in early 2025. Kaitoke is a key site for the supply of natural gas throughout the lower North Island. Its existing 40-year-old compressor set-up isn’t enough to meet ongoing demand – especially on cold winter nights when gas usage peaks.