Refining NZ has signed a commitment to make the Marsden Point refinery more energy efficient and further reduce its carbon emissions.
This has been demonstrated in the signing of a three-year energy management programme by Refining NZ chief executive officer Sjoerd Post and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) chief executive Mike Underhill.
According to Post, there is great potential for further energy savings from optimising refinery pumps, fans and process heating systems. “Exactly how much will be determined as we work with EECA, but we expect to save at least 10GWh a year – the equivalent energy use of 1100 households and 2300 tonnes of CO2 per year.”
He adds that having EECA’s expertise in electricity and energy management on board is a real bonus for Refining NZ’s energy team.
As an energy intensive business, Refining NZ is one of the country’s largest users of fuel and electricity. Underhill points out the business is also one of the country’s largest users of process heat, which accounts for 27% of New Zealand’s total energy use and contributes to 22% of total energy-related emissions.
Post says Refining NZ is always looking for ways to improve its energy profile, whether through major investment such as the $365 million Te Mahi Hou (TMH) project which has reduced its carbon emissions by around 120,000 tonnes a year, or smaller incremental investments.
“Having completed TMH, the door is open for micro energy projects – all part of our strategy of pursuing small, quick pay-back investments that lift our energy profile and grow revenue while improving our environmental footprint.”
Refining NZ operates New Zealand’s only oil refinery, producing petrol, diesel, aviation fuels and other products for the domestic market. It supplies 40% of the energy needs of New Zealand and 70% of transport fuel needs.
New Zealand has as its target the reduction of emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
