For decades, New Zealand scientists have been looking at how to turn renewable forestry resources into clean, reliable energy and solid or liquid biofuels. Early work helped show how wood can be processed into consistent, high-performance solid fuels — helping lay the foundations to decarbonise industrial heat and keep more energy dollars in local communities.

Locally produced biofuels are a sustainable alternative for coal.

That science now underpins innovations such as dense, durable pellets or briquettes made from forest and mill residues – material that can be left behind after harvesting or wood processing – that are a sustainable alternative to coal. Science is also behind the drive to scale up locally produced bioenergy and biofuels using existing woody biomass resources. New Zealand already has enough of these resources to start the journey.

Bioenergy directly improves energy security by producing fuel locally – decreasing New Zealand’s reliance on global suppliers. It also helps enhance market access, boost economic development through job and GDP creation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A biofuel future is essential for New Zealand to meet its global climate change commitments.

Scientists continue to look at practical steps New Zealand can take to improve energy resilience, through partnerships with stakeholders across the aviation, marine, processing and power generation sectors as well as iwi and government. With the current global fuel crisis showing no signs of easing, this work is more important than ever.