Biotech Updates

New Zealand's First Commercial Biodiesel Plant Set

January 13, 2016
http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/10010/new_zealands_first_commercial_biodiesel_plant_set_for_testing/

Z Energy, a New Zealand energy producer, has moved towards completing New Zealand's first commercial scale biodiesel plant in Wiri, Auckland, with the development of a biodiesel distillation column.

The plant will turn inedible tallow, a by-product of the New Zealand meat industry, into biodiesel with the potential to scale production up. Z Energy says the biodiesel distillation column is a sophisticated piece of kit which will ensure a highly refined, pure finished biodiesel.

Fuel burned for transportation makes up around 17% of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. According to David Binnie, Z's general manager of supply and distribution, it will take time, but the investment is a step towards reducing New Zealand's reliance on fossil fuels.

The biodiesel will be available to customers towards the middle of 2016.