An exploration of integrated clean energy, forestry biomass and infrastructure opportunities for next generation bio-industrial precincts in the Bay of Plenty could be on the cards.
Energy Estate, Kākāriki Renewables and NZ Bio Forestry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to investigate opportunities that combine renewable energy, forestry biomass and enabling infrastructure within integrated bio-industrial precincts.
The agreement brings together complementary expertise in clean energy, infrastructure development and bio-industrial technology. The parties will assess how these capabilities can support the revitalisation and repurposing of forestry hubs, advanced manufacturing and long-term regional economic development.
Energy Estate Co-Founder Simon Currie says the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to forestry regions and to giving established industrial locations a renewed economic purpose.
“Forestry has helped shape communities and regional economies across New Zealand. This collaboration is about working with NZ Bio Forestry to explore how forestry hubs can be revitalised and repurposed, bringing together clean energy, infrastructure and new industries to breathe life into regions and strengthen economies affected by industrial change.
“NZ Bio Forestry’s goal of creating higher value uses for forestry resources is closely aligned with Energy Estate’s approach to integrated precinct development. By connecting energy, customers, supply chains, infrastructure and communities from the outset, we can investigate practical opportunities that create enduring regional value.”
The parties will undertake site assessments, technical and commercial feasibility studies, master planning, stakeholder engagement and evaluation of delivery models for potential projects. The work will consider renewable energy supply, biomass utilisation, energy storage, waste heat recovery and other complementary industrial uses.
NZ Bio Forestry CEO Wayne Mulligan says the partnership builds on the company’s work to create higher value uses for wood fibre, biomass and forestry residues while supporting regional employment, decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing.
“Forestry communities have experienced the effects of restructuring and economic decline, even while remaining close to some of New Zealand’s most significant forestry resources. This partnership begins by acknowledging that history and then looking forward, building trust, creating value and restoring opportunity.
“By bringing together renewable energy, infrastructure and bio-industrial capability, we can investigate how renewable carbon from New Zealand’s plantation forests can support fuels, chemicals, advanced materials and other high-value products. Our goal is to create opportunities that benefit regional communities and can provide a model for other parts of New Zealand.”
Kākāriki Renewables General Manager, Solar and Strategic Iwi Partnerships, Robin Paratene, says the company’s Te Kupenga-a-Māui, or Māui’s Net, provides a regional framework for connecting renewable generation with existing and emerging energy demand across the greater Bay of Plenty.
“Māui’s Net is about planning energy supply around the needs and strengths of the region. It brings together Kākāriki’s generation opportunities at Whakatāne and Reporoa with potential manufacturing and industrial demand at Kaingaroa Village, Kawerau and Rotorua, including NZ Bio Forestry’s vision.”
“We want to develop these regional schemes in partnership with mana whenua, landowners, communities, networks and industry. If this approach proves successful, we will look for similar opportunities elsewhere in Aotearoa, where renewable energy can enable productive industries and support strong regional economies.”
The MOU is non-binding and provides a framework for collaboration and due diligence. Any future projects will be subject to feasibility assessments, stakeholder and community engagement, regulatory approvals, governance approvals and commercial evaluation.
