Biomass sector asks: where did the love go?
Today 12:00pm
By Pattrick Smellie
New Zealand has sufficient biomass in its plantation forests to replace natural gas for industrial process heat at lower costs than electrification, but is failing to get the attention it deserves, sector leaders say.
Story copyright © Carbon News 2026
Mercury eyes $1b geothermal expansion near Taupō
Fri 15 May 2026
Mercury is planning the next phase of its geothermal expansion near Taupō, with two proposed projects carrying a potential investment of up to $1 billion and enough new renewable generation to power an additional 125,000 homes.
World Nuclear Association chief to address NZ energy conference
Thu 14 May 2026
The head of the World Nuclear Association will speak at a Hamilton energy conference as debate grows over whether emerging nuclear technologies could play a role in New Zealand’s future energy mix.
GIDI-style help cheaper than LNG: MBIE
11 May 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | Officials advised ministers last July that the lowest-cost way to free up gas for use during dry winters was to assist industrial gas users to switch to electricity.
Govt launches solar red tape review to speed up installations
8 May 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has launched a review aimed at making residential and small-scale solar installations faster and easier, in a move Rewiring Aotearoa says could help cut costs and accelerate solar uptake across New Zealand.
Energy system debate to headline Electrify Queenstown
7 May 2026
A major political debate on the future of New Zealand’s energy system will take centre stage at Electrify Queenstown 2026, as policymakers and industry figures gather to map the country’s path toward electrification.
Methanexit: writing on the wall for NZ’s biggest gas user
6 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s biggest fossil gas user, Methanex, is expected to stop production by the end of this year, with the company confirming its Motunui methanol operation won’t survive Māui gas field’s closure.
Ōmokoroa trial to test smarter power use
6 May 2026
Powerco and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority are launching a trial in Ōmokoroa, Bay of Plenty, to test how shifting electricity use away from peak times could ease pressure on the network and reduce costs.
Brown's LNG rethink proves short-lived
5 May 2026
Energy Minister Simeon Brown's suggestion that the Iran conflict had "changed everything" about New Zealand's approach to LNG imports appears to have been a brief departure rather than a shift in direction.
Māui closure notice narrows the buffer
4 May 2026
OMV New Zealand's notification that the Māui gas field will cease production by the end of 2026 has brought forward risks the industry had expected to emerge more gradually.
