Clarus business, First Renewables Biogas upgrade facility transforms kerbside food waste into biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas. Located at Ecogas’ Organics Processing Facility in Reporoa, it’s the first facility of its kind in New Zealand and marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future!
Renewable gas flows in New Zealand pipeline for the first time
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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.
Firstgas keeping the heat on in Te Puke after Cyclone Gabrielle
In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand, causing billions of dollars in damage across the country and more than 140,000 landslides.
Global demand for gas just keeps growing
Gas storage and flexibility is vital to support the generation of renewable electricity, particularly in the winter months, over peak demand periods, and is becoming more important with the addition of new variable wind and solar generation capacity.
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.
Helping Milly’s journey to the 2028 Paralympics
Milly Marshall Kirkwood is a remarkable young woman with a burning desire to become a world champion in seated discus and shot put and compete in the 2028 Paralympics. Through the Firstgas Community Fund we are proud to support Milly to help fulfil her dream.
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.
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.