New Zealand eyes forestry waste for biofuels target

New Zealand is looking to turn forestry waste into biofuels to meet its climate goals.

The New Zealand Forest Service is compiling a business case to make biocrude, liquid and solid biofuels from the residues of trees milled within the country.

The government in January agreed in principle to implement a biofuels mandate as part of a range of measures to meet its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. A specific target has not been set yet, although a review of a 2008 biofuels sales obligation that was repealed before coming into effect is due for completion this month. A public consultation will occur during May-June before a final decision in July.

Biofuels under this mandate will initially make up 0.5pc of liable suppliers' gasoline or diesel sales, rising to 2.5pc over four years. New Zealand's current liquid biofuels use is less than 1pc, with diesel consumption close to 3mn t/yr (60,000 b/d) in 2020.

By Amandeep Parmar