Torrefied biomass for Huntly Power Station advancesFriday 24 Apr 2026
Genesis is targeting a pathway to a supply of up to 300,000 tonnes a year of torrefied biomass (also known as black pellets) by FY28, for use where it is economically feasible to replace a portion of the coal used for energy security generation in Huntly’s Rankine units. The company is working with a number of potential producers in parallel to achieve this target. Nature’s Flame already produces white pellets at its plant in Taupō. This agreement marks the start of formal investigations into the economics of adding a torrefaction facility to produce black pellets and confirm the intended key terms for a supply agreement. Genesis and Nature’s Flame have agreed to a collaborative approach to these investigations. Black pellets are produced by heating wood, forestry waste, and plant materials in a low-oxygen environment at 200–340°C. This torrefaction process creates a uniform, energy dense, low-moisture product that is safer to handle and can be stored outdoors, making them the preferred pellets for Huntly Power Station. Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman says biomass is a key part of Genesis’ Gen35 strategy to optimise energy storage and flexible generation providing security of supply and grid stability. “Electricity security for New Zealand depends on having fuel security and fuel diversity and I’m delighted Nature’s Flame wants to explore this opportunity with us. Huntly Power Station is unique in that it can generate power from multiple fuels including gas, coal, diesel and biomass, which mitigates energy scarcity, price and supply chain risk for New Zealand.” Hickman noted that Genesis and Nature’s Flame will also work together on approaching potential suppliers of feedstock – forestry residue and waste wood. More >> Source & image credit: Genesis Energy | ||
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