Thames-Coromandel encouraged to grow local wood energy industry

The potential for a wood energy industry to boost the local Thames-Coromandel economy will be showcased at an event next month.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) are hosting a wood energy showcase on Friday 16 April for local businesses and potential energy suppliers.

EECA has supported two wood projects in Thames - at the Centennial Pool and Thames High School - and is encouraging forestry and wood processing companies to consider getting into energy production.

EECA Wood Energy Programme Manager Shaun Bowler said: “The Thames-Coromandel area has a great forestry resource and could support a strong local wood energy industry. There are other facilities in Thames with high annual energy costs where wood could be the solution. And there are a number of local forestry businesses that could create a new revenue stream from material they’re currently treating as waste. Wood has the advantage of being locally produced, readily available and renewable – so as fossil fuel prices rise, it can give local businesses and communities security of price and supply.”

Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Philippa Barriball said: “Like many smaller communities in New Zealand without a natural gas supply, Thames-Coromandel businesses have at times suffered from a lack of energy options. The area has also been hit by a recent wave of job losses. Wood energy could help address both issues as it provides a cost effective alternative to fossil fuels and creates ongoing jobs in harvesting, processing and transporting fuel.”

The showcase, hosted at the Thames Civic Centre, will include site visits to Thames Timber and Thames High School to see its wood-fired boiler in action.

ENDS

Notes to editors

TCDC was faced with an annual electricity bill of $100,000 for the Centennial Pool in Thames which left it with no option but partial closure. The switch to wood energy to heat the pool has ensured it can continue, and with the energy savings the project will pay for itself in three years. Thames High School has also switched to wood energy for its boiler fuel, ensuring a cost-effective, renewable supply into the future.

EECA has supported the development of New Zealand’s wood energy industry through funding demonstration projects and feasibility studies. It is now disseminating the learning from the projects and working with the wood energy industry to promote the benefits of wood to business and local communities. For more information see http://www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/renewable-energy/wood