Energy policy

Position statements

  • Bioenergy is the solution for keeping lights on (June 2022) - The lack of electricity supply security because of thermal generation plant unavailability reinforces the importance of the need for an integrated Energy Strategy. Greater use of bioenergy and biofuels which are storable energy forms would ensure that electricity supply can be optimised says the Bioenergy Association.
    Brian Cox, Executive officer of the Bioenergy Association says that “the news that Transpower had to declare an electricty supply emergency situation indicates a significant weakness in the energy market if there is too much reliance on electricity for decarbonisation. Electricity should only be used for where it is the ideal option.  Read full statement
  • Closure of refinery will increase barrier to low emissions transport (Sept 2021) - The announcement that the Marsden refinery is to be closed will increase the barrier to easy achievement of low emissions transport, says the Bioenergy Association.
    Brian Cox, Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association said that “The Bioenergy Association is concerned that the refinery at Marsden Point is being decommissioned without serious consideration of how the remaining equipment not used for import of petroleum fuels, can be repurposed for production of biofuels. We understand that the facilities could easily be repurposed for the refining of biocrude to produce some renewable biofuels. We understand that at certain ratios some types of bio feedstock can be co-processed on existing hydrotreating units without equipment upgrade”. Read full statement
  • Government to widen renewable energy targets (March 2016) - The Bioenergy Association today welcomed the announcement by Minister Bridges that he will be widening the Government's energy targets from just electricity to include heat and transport energy which together provide 75% of our consumer energy demand. Read full statement.