Science Centres: Energy
New Zealand's bioenergy research
Biofuel testing at CRL Energy
Bioenergy: where to now?
Bioenergy: where to now?
Increasingly, liquid biofuels are being seen as a potential energy product from biomass to supplement traditional transport fuels. This has promoted much research into so-called ‘second generation’ conversion technologies. Scion, for example, is working with the Lake Taupo Development Company on the assessment of willow as a potential feedstock for ethanol production.
New Zealand’s bioenergy research
Wood pellets made from sawdust or shavings can be used for domestic heating or by larger energy consumers, such as hospitals, schools, and hotels.
Biofuel testing at CRL Energy
Combustion testing of potential biofuels
A biofuel boiler all fired up. (Photo: Andrew Campbell, CRL Energy)
CRL Energy’s 50 kW-scale Combustion Test Rig is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. It has proven ideal for testing the performance of a range of solid fuels under conditions typically found in larger scale industrial boilers. We’ve tested everything from wood, coal, and biomass, to sludge, wastes, and even tyres.
To date, almost 200 tests have been performed for a range of clients from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
