At Clarus, we know New Zealand’s energy sector is evolving as we move towards a net zero carbon future. That’s why we’re starting to transition our gas network to align with this goal.
Natural gas will continue to play a key role as we integrate more renewable energy sources, including renewable gas. Extensive research and close monitoring of international efforts are helping us chart a path toward cleaner, more efficient solutions.
One promising renewable gas is biomethane. Produced by upgrading biogas from organic waste, biomethane is chemically identical to natural gas. In fact, we’ve built a biomethane upgrade facility that upgrades Ecogas’ biogas into renewable gas, which is injected into the Firstgas network, near Taupo.
We’re also exploring hydrogen blending—a step toward a lower carbon future. This is the focus of the Te Horo hydrogen blending pilot. In 2025, Firstgas, along with Gas Net, Nova Energy, Powerco, and Vector, will run a four-month pilot. During this pilot, hydrogen will be gradually blended into the natural gas pipeline, starting at 2% and increasing to a maximum of 15%.
The advantage of biomethane and up to 20% hydrogen blends is that existing gas appliances continue to operate as usual, allowing households and businesses to enjoy the same reliable energy supply but with fewer carbon emissions and avoiding the need for costly changes and upgrades. Looking ahead to 2050, our existing gas network could be transporting a mix of natural gas, renewable gas and hydrogen.
