The plan for bioenergy security: A homegrown solutionFriday 17 Apr 2026
New conflict overseas comes with a price tag at home. Rising fuel costs, disrupted supply chains, and growing uncertainty are already being felt across New Zealand. It raises a simple question: why are we looking to expand our reliance on global energy markets, when we have the resources to build our own? The country is right now grappling with vulnerability in its energy insecurity. Gas shortages, dry hydro years and reliance on imported fuels have exposed weaknesses in the system. Which will be heightened with the Government’s commitment to importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to provide backup supply. But what if part of the answer is already here? The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) has put forward to Government a co-investment proposal called the New Zealand Integrated Bioenergy Programme, a coordinated plan to turn forestry residues, wood waste and organic material into renewable energy. Instead of being left to rot or wash downstream in the next storm, that woody material could be used to produce renewable electricity, heat and gas, or to free up electricity and natural gas for its highest value applications. From Slash to Energy Forestry slash, seen in branches, tree tops and lowgrade logs left after harvesting, has become a lightning rod in public debate. During heavy rainfall, wood from commercial or non-commercial plantings can be swept into waterways, damaging farms, bridges and coastal communities. Yet with the right commercial incentives much of this material can be recovered prior to becoming a problem and has real energy value. Wood is essentially stored energy. When used properly, it can provide reliable industrial heat or fuel electricity generation during dry years. Bioenergy Association’s proposal aims to coordinate the collection of forestry residues and organic waste, link them to energy users, and build regional supply chains so biomass becomes a dependable part of the national energy mix. It’s not experimental technology. Biomass boilers already operate across New Zealand. More than 400 megawatts of biomass heat capacity are already installed. That is around 8% of total energy demand. The challenge, industry leaders say, isn’t technical, it’s coordination. Projects often stall because fuel supply and energy demand are developed separately. Investors hesitate without long-term supply certainty. Suppliers hesitate without guaranteed demand. The programme aims to solve that “chicken and egg” problem by integrating planning at a regional level. More >> Source & image credit: Bioenergy Association | ||
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