FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How will the proposed clean air regulation changes affect you?
A: The review of the Region Air Plan for commercial and industrial users has not started yet so the outcome is unknown. However, any changes will affect end users. If you already hold an air discharge consent, you will not be required to meet any new stardards unless it expires or you make changes to your existing boiler.
Q: How can wood energy be considered clean?
A: Wood energy is renewable and carbon neutral. Carbon is absorbed by growing trees and released when the wood is burned or when it rots. So using wood energy neither increases nor decreases the amount of carbon cycling in the atmosphere - unlike digging up old, sequestered carbon in the form of oil and gas and releasing it.
Wood energy is cleaner than coal because it generates fewer particulate emissions (PM10, PM2.5, ‘smog’), sulphur dioxide and toxic heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury are all by-products of coal combustion). Therefore the greater uptake of wood to replace coal in Southland, the cleaner the air in Southland.
Q: Is wood energy sustainable?
A: Wood energy is renewable and carbon neutral. Carbon is absorbed by growing trees and released when the wood is burned or when it rots. So using wood energy neither increases nor decreases the amount of carbon cycling in the atmosphere - unlike digging up old, sequestered carbon in the form of oil and gas and releasing it.
Q: Where will it come from?
A: Southland has a significant forestry and wood processing industry, which generates an estimated 300,000 tonnes of wood waste a year that can be used for energy. There is no shortage of waste residue in Southland for wood energy.
Q: Is it a virgin timber or a by-product?
A: Wood chips and pellets ultilise waste wood or by-products.
Q: What does it cost to convert?
A: The initial cost can be more expensive than LPG or diesel but comparative to new coal boilers. However, over the life of the boiler, it becomes more cost effective against LPG and diesel because the fuel price for woodchip is much cheaper. Please contact us for more detailed information.
Q: How does it compete cost wise with other fuels sources?
A: While Southland has historically had cheap coal and lignite, in many cases wood can deliver the same or cheaper cost of energy.
Q: Can I convert my current coal boiler to woodchip?
A: In many cases the answer is yes! But there are several alterations that need to be made. This includes safety burnback prevention, increased over-air for combustion and removal of below air intake, and increased auger feeder for woodchip.
Q: How easy is it to convert?
A: It is much easier to convert an existing coal boiler because the infrastructure is already in place. It really depends on the site and having sufficient space for storage, truck deliveries and the boiler house. Contact us for more information.
Q: What are the prices?
A: Woodchip is very competitive against diesel, LPG or electricity offering very good return on investment figures. If you have an existing coal boiler, you will need to have a full life cycle assessment to determine the outcome as comparing on price only is not recommended for coal.
Q: Why is Southland promoting it?
A: Because it is good for Southland's environment and the economy, which can only be good for the community. Plus it is a cost effective solution for commercial premises given they will be more than likely obligated to make changes because of the air regulation changes coming into effect over the next few years.
Q: Who supplies boilers?
A: See a full list here.
Q: Who supplies wood fuel?
A: Local sawmills and fuel suppliers. See a full list here.
Q: What is the first steps?
A: The first step to implementing a wood fuel system in your organisation is to complete a feasibility assessment. This will outline whether the project is economically viable; as well as giving projections on emission reductions, and options in fuel supply. This assessment can be done in house, or outsourced to consultants. Wood Energy South has a list of preferred service providers that can undertake this work and utilse funding available (up to 50% of cost or $15,000) See a full list here.
Q: Is there anyone else using this and what do they think?
A: Yes, there are currently several wood energy users utilising wood chip, pellet and residue and both purpose built and converted heat plants. Please see our case studies here
Q: What effect will wood energy have on the Southland community?
A: It will be better for Southland's environment and will hopefully keep the money within the local community and create new jobs.