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
  • Ecogas
    • Media releases

    Ecogas Organics Processing Facility

    In October 2021, our Firstgas Group team attended Ecogas’ official opening of their new Organics Processing Facility in Reporoa, the first of its kind in New Zealand.

  • three poles and morning light
    • Media releases

    Firstgas Group receives OIO approval for acquisition of Eastland Network

    Firstgas Group is pleased to confirm Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval for the acquisition of Eastland Network. The transaction will be completed on 31 March 2023.

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    • Green Hydrogen
    • Blog

    Chase Zero shows hydrogen’s massive marine potential

    Team New Zealand has developed a hydrogen-powered chase boat that is showing the world how powerful marine hydrogen can be. In 2021, the current America’s Cup holders were thinking about the team’s carbon footprint

  • Hydrogen Storage Safety scaled
    • Blog

    Why Hydrogen is safe

    Hydrogen has been safely stored, transported and used across industries over many decades. Just like natural gas, LPG and petrol, hydrogen safety is about understanding how the gas behaves and how to handle it.

  • Jason McDonald
    • Media releases

    Newly appointed Board member brings expertise in electricity infrastructure and renewable generation

    Jason brings with him over 30 years of experience working in the energy sector with particular focus in strategy, M&A transactions, and infrastructure investment. Alongside his governance roles, Jason works as an independent consultant and advisor.

  • Hydrogen pipeline
    • Reports

    Independent report finds hydrogen storage best solution to support a fully renewable electricity system

    An independent study by electricity expert Energy Link has found that large-scale hydrogen storage is a better solution than other options that include pumped hydro storage or over-building renewable capacity to fully decarbonise Aotearoa’s electricity system.

  • hydrogen truck
    • Blog

    How hydrogen could transform long-haul freight

    Transport is responsible for 17% of New Zealand’s carbon emissions, and heavy vehicles emit almost a quarter of all our transport emissions. But while it’s fairly easy to swap out a petrol car for a low-emissions one, decarbonising the shipping, trucking and aviation industries is much trickier.

  • Ecogas
    • Media releases

    Towards a net zero carbon future

    Clarus believes gas has a big part to play in New Zealand’s energy future. Thanks to extensive research and close monitoring of international efforts, we’re planning our route towards distributing cleaner, more energy efficient renewable gas – and to ultimately helping New Zealand reach its net zero-carbon goal by 2050.

  • STR4858 copy 2 2 2
    • Media releases

    Firstgas Group broadens its energy network with Igneo's acquisition of Eastland Network

    Eastland Network will join the Clarus (Firstgas Group) following its acquisition by international infrastructure investor, Igneo.

  • Renewable Energy
    • Blog

    What is Green Hydrogen

    Firstgas Group is right behind Aotearoa’s carbon zero future. That’s why we are investigating renewable gas solutions including green hydrogen, which we think will play a big part in that future.

  • Hydrogen pipeline
    • Blog

    Blending hydrogen into gas pipelines

    Hydrogen has a vital role to play as Aotearoa’s transition to a zero-carbon future and Firstgas Group is investigating the role of hydrogen and what we will need to do for our network to carry hydrogen in the future.

  • Renewable energy image and person for website
    • Hydrogen blending
    • Blog

    Hydrogen blending: A step on the path to net zero

    As Kiwis, we love the benefits gas brings. Think instant heat, endless hot water, and cooking with a flame. Based in the energy-rich region of Taranaki, Firstgas connects over 300,000 homes and 19,000 businesses and industries, to gas.

  • Offshore Wind turbines 2 640x340
    • Blog

    Why wind turbines and green hydrogen are a perfect match

    Humans have been capturing wind energy for thousands of years – from sailing ships to wind-powered water pumps to windmills.

  • James Irvine
    • Media releases

    New GM to lead Firstgas Group Future Fuels team

    Clarus (formally Firstgas Group) welcomes James Irvine, General Manager Future Fuels, who will lead a newly established and dedicated Future Fuels Team in the development and implementation of Clarus (formally Firstgas Group) renewable energy strategy.

  • ccc logo
    • Blog

    Firstgas Group commend climate change commission for retaining energy options

    Clarus (Formally Firstgas Group) says the Climate Change Commission has delivered a final recommendation that acknowledges the important role zero carbon gas may have in reducing New Zealand’s carbon emissions by 2050.

  • Hydrogen pipeline
    • Media releases

    Firstgas Group announces plan to decarbonise gas pipeline network in New Zealand

    A plan to decarbonise New Zealand's gas pipeline network by transitioning from natural gas to hydrogen has been announced, ensuring Kiwis can continue to have their hot showers, cooking hobs - and barbecues - in a zero-carbon future.