The conversion reduces the amount of coal used and cuts carbon emissions at the site by around 2,400 tonnes a year – roughly the same as taking 530 cars off the road.
Robert Spurway, Fonterra COO global operations, says the Brightwater boiler conversion is part of Fonterra’s plan to reduce emissions across all sites.
“We’ll take what we learn from this conversion and apply it to our longer-term co-firing strategy for other boilers across the country. Brightwater shows what’s possible when it comes to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” Spurway said.
“We’re serious about meeting our targets to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and net zero by 2050 across all New Zealand operations. Achieving them will involve a combination of energy options and energy efficiency gains.”
He added Fonterra has completed a feasibility study to convert its Edendale operations to electricity and in August announced a plan to replace coal with electricity at the Stirling site in South Otago.
“We’re serious about supporting New Zealand’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the global goal of keeping temperature change to well below 2 degrees,” Spurway added.
“Achieving New Zealand’s climate ambitions requires a sustained and collaborative approach with business, Government and NGO’s.”