Whirika has been working with the Bioenergy Association to extend the highly successful Wood Energy South project into Otago and South Canterbury. Wood Energy South aims to lower energy-related carbon emissions, improve air quality and demonstrate the cost and life cycle benefits of utilising local waste wood in boilers.
Otago is blessed with a large sustainable supply of forest estates and many of these estates are directly owned by Council organisations. Furthermore, a number of large boiler plants in our Region are also council owned and there are likely to be many opportunities within these organisations to switch their boilers to operate on local wood energy.
At a recent presentation to the Forum of Mayors, Whirika’s Lloyd McGinty received positive feedback and support from all forum members. The Mayoral Forums represents Waitaki, Clutha, Dunedin, Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Otago Regional Councils. The next step is to gain traction at a central government level and Whirika and the Bioenergy Association are working closely to get this proposal considered for the next budget round. The benefits of expanding Wood Energy South into our region are numerous so watch this space! For more info about Wood Energy South visit www.woodenergysouth.co.nz.
Whirika has specialist experience in all aspects of biomass wood energy from initial feasibility, wood energy demand and supply assessments, developing wood fuel supply contracts, engaging with fuel suppliers, specifying wood boilers and assisting with all aspects of wood energy projects.