How we helped First Renewables deliver New Zealand’s first renewable gas flow
Our involvement with New Zealand’s first large-scale biogas upgrade project began with a bold challenge: engineer a safe, scalable solution to inject biomethane into the existing gas network.
1st
NZ’s Large-Scale Biogas-to-Pipeline Project
7.2k
Enough biomethane to supply up to 7,200 homes.
11KT
Cuts 11,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
The Broadlands Biogas Upgrade Project marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future. As the first initiative to inject renewable biomethane into the national gas pipeline, it sets a new standard for renewable gas in the country—supporting energy independence and showcasing the potential of circular, waste-to-energy solutions.
We were appointed to deliver the biogas upgrade balance of plant design for the Broadlands project—New Zealand’s first large-scale biogas upgrade facility.
Verbrec provided Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design for the biogas upgrading facility and key delivery points across Broadlands, Taupo, and Reporoa. This included the integration of specialist equipment from Ecogas’ Organics Processing Facility into the Firstgas pipeline—ensuring technical compatibility and regulatory compliance.
In 2024, the project achieved first renewable gas flow into New Zealand’s network.
A historic national achievement that showcases the potential of biogas to support a circular economy by transforming organic waste into a renewable energy source.
Delivering
on safety, sustainability, and scale
Through precision engineering and design, we ensured that biogas produced from organic waste at the Ecogas’ Reporoa facility could be upgraded to pipeline-quality biomethane, ready for seamless integration into the gas system.
New Zealand’s first large-scale biogas upgrade facility now supplies enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by 11,000 tonnes annually.
By enabling this critical integration, Verbrec helped deliver a future-focused solution—supporting energy resilience, emissions reduction, and progress toward New Zealand’s low-carbon energy future.
* Calculation based on 22GJ p.a. average for a residential consumer. Estimated max production is 160TJ = 7,200 houses.
- “ This landmark achievement not only supports the nation’s sustainability goals but also sets a precedent for renewable gas projects across Australasia while reducing reliance on fossil fuels."