News & blog hub

Global renewable energy infrastructure developer, Harmony Energy Limited has entered a joint venture with First Renewables Limited, part of New Zealand energy group Clarus (formerly Firstgas Group), to develop and own Tauhei Solar Farm.

Based in the energy-rich region of Taranaki, Clarus company, Firstgas connects natural gas to homes, businesses and large industry across the North Island. Firstgas is responsible for the ongoing reliability and safe operation of the more than 2,500 km of high-pressure gas transmission pipelines, known as the Māui and Kapuni pipelines.

Clarus has appointed Helen Murchison to the role of General Manager, Rockgas.

Firstgas is a long-time supporter of Mōkau Museum and some of our Firstgas team headed to Mōkau in early December 2023 to attend the re-opening of this community treasure. 

This has been a banner year for renewable energy across the globe and in New Zealand – here are some of the big wins throughout the year in the green energy sector:

The Mokau Compressor Station upgrade has reached a milestone, with the safe re-installation of the unit one gas cooler. 19 tonne cooler lowers the temperature of the gas so that its cool enough to send north in the pipeline.

Auto manufacturer Suzuki plans to build four biogas refineries in India, which will begin operating in 2025. The biogas plants will turn cattle manure into biomethane, and that methane will be used to power vehicles that are currently fuelled by compressed natural gas.

Ireland’s first ever direct-to-grid injection of biomethane into the Northern Ireland gas grid at Dungannon stands as a ground-breaking milestone for the decarbonisation of energy. 

Ara Ake Board appoints Clarus CE, Paul Goodeve. Paul Goodeve, a Chartered Accountant, Barrister, Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, and a member of the Institute of Directors, is currently CEO of Clarus (formally Firstgas Group). He has an extensive background in people leadership, expertise in regulated and non-regulated transmission and distribution energy infrastructure, and leadership in renewable energy developments.

Firstgas Group announced today that it is changing its name to Clarus, meaning clear and bright. Paul Goodeve, Clarus CE (formally Firstgas Group) said, “The change to Clarus marks a new and exciting phase for our group of companies, as we look to the future of energy.

A gas blending trial in Germany is on track to reach a 30% hydrogen injection rate, cutting carbon emissions for 30 local homeowners. The blended gas is being delivered to an area in a town of standalone family homes, known as the Oehringen ‘hydrogen island’.

Renewable green hydrogen is on track to be less expensive than fossil fuel generated hydrogen by 2030, according to a new Bloomberg report. This is great news for decarbonising the economy both globally and here in New Zealand.

Renewable green hydrogen with zero emissions is set to change the way we use gas.

As we head towards decarbonising our energy supply, New Zealand is investing heavily in generating more renewable energy. Luckily, here in Aotearoa we have the potential to produce as much energy as we consume.

Clarus are the energy experts. As a leader in New Zealand’s energy sector, Clarus has the future of gas in our sights while at the same time making sure our customers are delivered natural gas and LPG safely and reliably, right now.

New Zealand has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050 – but what will that future look like?