2026 Energy Series | Unlocking the Bay’s Biomass Potential

Unlocking the Bay’s biomass potential

4 pm – 6 pm, Wednesday 5 August, The Tauranga Club

REGISTER HERE

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The Bay of Plenty region is home to the largest plantation forestry resource in New Zealand with access to significant biomass. It’s also home to some innovative companies using biomass to create energy. In this session, we will explore the technologies and applications of biomass across the energy sector, from transport to industrial process heat. Hear from the companies leading the development and manufacture of these emerging technologies, including:

• An introduction to biomass for energy use.
  • The sources & process used to convert it into energy.
• The national & regional biomass reserve.
• The use of biomass for industrial process heat.
  • Including examples of adoption in New Zealand.

Topics & speakers:

The Importance of Biomass in New Zealand – Aden Jones (EECA)

The Biomass Reserve & Science – Peter Hall (BSI)

One Residue. Six Opportunities: Heat, Cooling, Power, CO₂, Fuels and Carbon – Christian Jirkowsky (POLYTECHNIK Biomass Energy)

Renewable Energy Fuel – John Goodwin  (Nature’s Flame)

Renewable Energy & Sustainable Chemistry – Dean Omrod (Foresta)

Plus Jacob Steens, Senior Consent Planner from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, will be on hand to answer questions.

The evening will end with a networking session where you can talk to the attending speakers, as well as meet other industry colleagues.

REGISTER HERE

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What’s the 2026 Energy Series?

A practical learning series bringing together businesses to learn from energy specialists, explore cost‑efficient solutions, and take action to optimise costs, strengthen resilience and plan confidently for the future.

The series aligns with the work of the Energy Leadership Group (ELG) and the development of the Western Bay of Plenty’s regional energy strategy. The series will include workshops on topics such as biomass, transport & logistics, and more. Alongside specialist insights, we’ll seek your input to help shape the topics discussed so they reflect your business priorities and real‑world needs.

This session is also about connection. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with peers, industry experts and innovators, helping to accelerate your energy strategy.

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This series is bought to you by Priority One, EMA, EECA, Beca and the Energy Leadership Group (ELG).

Learn more about Priority One’s energy work.