Bioenergy Association statement on transport biofuels

14 February 2013

Bioenergy Association statement on transport biofuels

Bioenergy Association of New Zealand welcomes Z Energy’s investigations into biodiesel and the launch of Green Fuels NZ – cementing domestic supply of biodiesel for the motoring public.

Speaking today after the release of media statements from Z Energy and the launch of Green Fuels NZ, Mr Brian Cox, Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) said “BANZ welcomes this news from Z Energy and Green Fuels NZ. It’s a really exciting development for the bioenergy sector in New Zealand and indeed for New Zealand motorists.”

Z Energy have announced that they are considering the production of biodiesel from tallow and wood. Green Fuels NZ have purchased the biodiesel production and distribution business from Solid Energy which was previously promoted through Biodiesel NZ. Bioethanol is produced in New Zealand from whey by Anchor Ethanol.

Mr Cox added, “As the biofuels sales history from the last few years shows NZ motorists have embraced the opportunity to be able to buy cleaner greener fuels. That’s still evident today as Gull continues to sell biodiesel and bioethanol in its north Island stations. Given the geographical spread of Z Energy stations, this announcement could mean that even more motorists in New Zealand get to make the choice for a cleaner greener fuel.”

“Building on the solid legacy of Biodiesel NZ, Green Fuels NZ is well placed to go from strength to strength in particular serving the wholesale market. Availability and quality will be key going forward.”

“The decision by the Government to close the Biodiesel Grant Scheme last year set growth in the New Zealand biofuels market back by several years. However the combination of Z Energy, Green Fuels NZ, Anchor Ethanol and Gull could herald a new era for biofuels in New Zealand and cement a very important path to the future. It would also give a clear signal to investors that even without the Biodiesel Grants Scheme, biodiesel and more broadly biofuels in New Zealand has strong appeal and makes economic sense.”

Mr Cox explained, “As the Z Energy media statement rightly acknowledges, the future of transport biofuels is already coming. Leading New Zealand organisations are researching and piloting the fuels of the future – advanced biofuels from woody biomass. It’s key that biofuels are steadily seen as the norm and not the exception and making them accessible is part of that.”

Mr Cox added, “In showing their support for biofuel New Zealand’s motorists too are demonstrating acceptance of an alternative to mainstream carbon fuels. As today’s research bears fruit, and the public continues to support this alternative, the future of transport fuel in New Zealand is green. There is no question about it, the transport fuels of the future are biofuels. The announcements today reinforce that New Zealand is on track for having 30% of our transport fuels from biofuels by 2040 “

About The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ)
BANZ was established in 2001 to promote and coordinate the development of a bioenergy industry in New Zealand. BANZ provides a central focus point for liaison with Government agencies, the dissemination of information amongst the industry and long-term positioning of bioenergy into New Zealand's energy system. Members include anyone with a commercial interest in bioenergy - sawmillers, wood processors, energy suppliers, fuel producers, retailers, energy researchers, consultants, manufacturers and investors.

For more information on the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand go to www.bioenergy.org.nz and for information on the transport biofuels sector go to www.liquidbiofuels.org.nz

For more information on the Bioenergy Strategy which indicates that 30% of New Zealand’s transport fuels could come from biofuels by 2040 click here.

ENDS

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