About us - Solid Biofuels

About the Bioenergy Association

The Bioenergy Association has members throughout the New Zealand, Australian and South Pacific bioenergy industry and is the only bioenergy-specific member association in New Zealand.  We have three operational work streams

Each work stream has its own Interest Group Steering Committee to which every member can have a representative according to their membership level.

We provide assistance and a wealth of bioenergy information to support members' business and promote their expertise and capabilities in the relevant bioenergy sectors.  Information is available for  potential investors, policy makers and regulators.

The Association is a collective of people who believe that by working as a group we can make more progress than by acting individually. Members also avoid having to each pay for information which is of common value.

Membership fees go into a pooled fund of money to undertake activities to grow the solid biofuels sector and develop best practice standards. If you want to work with others to ensure that bioenergy solutions contribute to a sustainable future you should join the Association. (Income for association activities is only from membership although from time to time we receive funding for specific projects)

In addition, by working collectively we have a bigger voice for the sector and putting a strong case for bioenergy and biofuels. As a member of the collective you shape the messages and the actions to make bioenergy and biofuels relevant.

Bioenergy Association membership is open to anyone with a commercial interest in bioenergy.  Our members include land and forestry owners, wood processors, feedstock suppliers, fuel and energy suppliers, equipment supplies, manufacturers, consultants, contractors, energy researchers, educators, regulators and investors.

We undertake:

  • Advocacy to central and local government, potential investors, communities and regulators on bioenergy related policy, and opportunities.
  • We establish and publish best practice guides
  • Host dissemination of information through our Bioflash Newsletter, webinars, and the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre.
  • We provide confidentual support to members to assist their business make more money.
  • We assist potential investors in bioenergy based solutions to assess technologies, market opportunities and market risks.
  • We liase with Government and other sector entities to ensure that policy supports the interests of our members.
  • We support members' business and promote their expertise and capabilities in the New Zealand, Australian and South Pacific bioenergy sectors.

Members of the Bioenergy Association are welcome to discuss any bioenergy or biofuels matter on a confidentual basis with the brian.cox [at] bioenergy.org.nz (Executive Officer). The Executive Officer is independent and has a wealth of sector knowledge and experience which members can tap into for free.

Membership

The Bioenergy Association is an incorporated society controlled by its members. levels of membership are:

  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Bronze 
  • Student/individual

Information on membership is available here.

Partners (Solid biofuels sector)

Solid Biofuels Interest Group

The Solid Biofuels Interest Group (SBIG) is the operational arm of the Bioenergy Association with regard:

  • to the sourcing and supply of biomass as a fuel,
  • investigation of solid biofuel business opportunities,
  • supply and operation of heat plant facilities using gasification, pyrolycis, hydrothermal, and conventialal combustion technologies.
  • Maintains this website as a portal to all information on the use of solid biofuels (wood energy) in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.
  • The preparation and dissemination of information and best practice guides.
  • Overseeing the Association's advocacy and policy advice to Government with regard to solid biofuels.

The SBIG includes all members who have indicated an interest in solid biofuels. Each member may have a representative on a Steering Committee which provides oversight to the activities of the Interest Group.

The SBIG supports members' wood energy business activities by undertaking advocacy for the use of wood energy, provides independent information on wood energy to the public and investors, and assists the Association establish and maintain best practice standards.Through a programme of information sessions, workshops and other events, the SBIG promotes the supply and use of quality wood fuel. Its members include leading providers of wood fuel and suppliers of heat plant technologies as well as asset owners who want to ensure there is a reliable supply of quality wood fuel for their facilities.

The SBIG focuses on the development of sector technical guides and other resources promoting quality wood fuel standards, along with the Association's  Solid Biofuel Supplier Accreditation and Wood Energy Adviser Registration schemes.  Membership is open to any Bioenergy Association member with an interest in wood energy.

The SBIG Committee has reviewed the assumptions for growth in the use of wood energy over the next two decades and summarised this in Information Sheet 32: GHG reduction using wood energy for heat.

The SBIG has also developed a series of recommendations on what would assist the switch from fossil fuels to wood energy for heat production.  If you would like to participate in this work contact the Executive Officer.

Solid Biofuel sub-groups

The SBIG has formed dedicated sub groups where members address specific wood energy sector issues.

Air Quality

The Air Quality Sub group is addressing the inconsistencies and barriers to installation of wood fuelled heat plant across the regions. If you are aware of problems with the air quality plans and policies in in any region or wish guidance on any air emission matter contact the Executive Officer.

Residential Wood Pellet Heating

Wood pellet producers and retailers of residential wood pellet heaters are working together to address the installation standards across different jurisdictions in New Zealand and Australia. An installation standard and guide for installation best practice are being developed. This will lead to development of training courses and  establishment of an installer accreditation scheme.

A market development plan is under development.

Training and Professional Development

The Training and Professional Development sub group oversees a suite of short courses which are open to members and non members. New courses are continuously being developed and if you have a topic that you think needs greater attention you are encouraged to contact the Executive Officer.

Wood Fuel Supply

The Wood Fuel Supply sub group is curently preparing a projection of the likley wood fuel supply across all regions for the next 20-30 years. This projection will be updated annually and published on this website. The sub group has a programme of work to provide assurance to wood energy facility owners that adequate wood fuel will be available for the economic life of their facility.

Join the Solid Biofuel Interest Group

Joining the Solid Biofuel Interest Group of the Bioenergy Association is quick and easy. The sooner you join, the sooner you'll begin to enjoy member benefits. Download and complete the Bioenergy Association membership application form (includes fees). As a member of the Association you are then eligible to be a member of the SBIG for free. Contact the brian.cox [at] bioenergy.org.nz (Executive Officer) to discuss how you can benefit from Bioenergy Association membership.

Contacts

  • Executive Officer
    executive [at] bioenergy.org.nz (Email: Brian Cox)