News & blog hub

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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Ceremony heralds start of construction on New Zealand’s largest solar farm project

Construction on New Zealand’s largest solar farm project officially began today at Te Aroha in Waikato, marking a significant milestone for the country’s renewable energy future.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Hon. Simon Watts, joined guests on site for a soil-turning ceremony for the project, a joint venture between Harmony Energy Limited and Clarus company, First Renewables.

101 results found here
  • iStock 1344124162 resized
    • Renewable Energy
    • Blog

    Renewables round-up

    What’s been happening in the world of renewable energy? We check out exciting news and developments from across the globe.

  • Biogas digesters v2

    New report on the vision of biogas for New Zealand

    An independent report looks at the potential for biogas to reduce Aotearoa New Zealand’s emissions and increase renewable energy.

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    • hydrogen
    • Blog

    NZ aviation gears up for hydrogen flights

    Could Kiwi travellers one day be jetting around the country in planes fuelled by green hydrogen? That’s the plan, according to the New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium, a group of forward-thinking aviation industry businesses formed in late 2023.

  • Solar panels with sheep in Belgium
    • Solar
    • Blog

    Why we’re excited about solar energy

    First Renewables, a Clarus company and Harmony Energy announced early in 2024 that they will develop and own Tauhei Solar Farm. At the time of commissioning in 2026, it is expected to be New Zealand’s largest solar generation site.

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    A green hydrogen path to clean energy for Australia

    Safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable – that’s the dream for renewable energy. Green hydrogen can help to deliver that dream for Australia, according to new research by the Australian Hydrogen Centre.

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    • Natural gas
    • Blog

    The many benefits of natural gas

    New Zealand has been producing natural gas in Taranaki since 1959, when our largely rural nation had a population of just 2.5 million. Now our population has doubled, our industries have expanded, and our energy use has skyrocketed, and natural gas has been a cornerstone of our energy supply.

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    • Media releases

    Firstlight Network team are local superheroes

    A year on from Cyclone Gabrielle. The Gisborne District Council held the Tairāwhiti Superhero Awards. These awards recognised individuals and organisations who went above and beyond to support their communities during the cyclone and its devastating aftermath.

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    • Renewable Energy
    • Blog

    Landmark Deal signed at Cop28

    Nearly 200 nations, including New Zealand, signed a landmark agreement at the recent Cop28 climate summit in Dubai. It took two weeks of tough negotiation, but the deal finally passed on 13 December, when it was met with applause from those in attendance.

  • tractor field farm countryside country rural HERO
    • Blog

    How hydrogen could help power lower-emissions farming

    Diesel has long been the go-to fuel for the agricultural sector, but that could change in the future thanks to new emerging hydrogen technology.

  • Harmony and First Renewables image HERO
    • Media releases

    Harmony Energy and First Renewables announce joint venture for the development of New Zealand's largest Solar farm

    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.

  • Maui pipeline and mountain
    • Blog

    How the gas pipeline could be an important tool in achieving lower emissions

    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.

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    • Media releases

    Clarus welcomes new General Manager for Rockgas

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

  • Mokau Museum external web
    • Blog

    Mōkau Museum celebrates re-opening and reveals new Firstgas display

    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. 

  • Pipeline laid Dec 23 v2
    • Biogas
    • Blog

    Biogas upgrade facility is taking shape

    Clarus company, First Renewables is currently building a state-of-the-art facility to upgrade Ecogas’ biogas into renewable gas

  • iStock 1432296478
    • Blog

    Renewable Gas Roundup 2023

    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:

  • Team at Mokau Compressor Station v2
    • Blog

    Mokau compressor station upgrade achieves major milestone

    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.