27 Feb 2009
The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) is disappointed with the Minister for Energy’s first major speech, where – despite emphasising how energy-rich New Zealand is – there is not a single mention of the huge existing resource represented by the millions of tonnes of wood residue that is generated each year by our sustainable forestry industry, but is currently wasted.Fast-tracking wood-to-energy projects, most viable for large users of heat, would tap into this renewable resource as well as create ongoing jobs in the wood fuel supply chain.
Wood energy delvers more permanent jobs per unit of energy than all other energy forms – whilst still saving the energy user significant amounts.
The speech also mentions carbon sequestration as a form of carbon capture and storage from coal – but makes no mention of the ability of trees to perform this. Wood energy projects deliver a healthier forest industry so the more planting that happens the more carbon sequestration will occur.
BANZ would like to see and hear more recognition in the Government speeches and policy of the multiple benefits that wood energy can play in New Zealand's energy future.
For more information: Brian Cox, Bioenergy Association of New Zealand, Tel 04 385 3359, Mob 0274 771048
