19 June 2006
Rotorua Girls High School converts to renewable energy boiler
Rotorua Girls’ High School and Nature’s Flame are helping clear the air in Rotorua with a New Zealand first, the
conversion of the school’s coal fired boiler to a wood pellet fired boiler.
The new pellet boiler produces low emission, cost-efficient heating for the school’s 1100 students and is fuelled by
wood pellets manufactured at Nature’s Flame’s Rotorua Pellet Mill. Nature’s Flame and Rotorua Girls’ High School today
formally marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the school.
Nature’s Flame has already established itself as New Zealand’s leading biomass company, producing pellets from waste
wood for burning in smokeless, environmentally friendly, wood pellet fireplaces in homes throughout New Zealand.
The success of its home heating pellet business has led the company to investigate opportunities for this clean-burning
fuel to be introduced to large buildings and commercial premises.
Rotorua Girls High School seemed the perfect place to start and Principal Annette Joyce agreed.
Annette Joyce comments: “Converting our boiler from coal to wood pellets makes perfect sense. Improving air pollution
levels helps us all and using local wood waste resources and a local company was an added incentive.”
Energy Projects Manager for Solid Energy[1], Duncan Mackenzie, who has worked closely with the school on this project
comments: “The conversion of school’s boiler to pellets has been a relatively simple procedure and it’s been great to
see the staff and students taking an interest in preserving their environment.”
Nature’s Flame Managing Director, Andy Matheson believes the market for industrial pellet boilers is huge. Andy Matheson
comments: “ New Zealand has a reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly resource in wood pellets, that we
have proved is an effective method for home, and now commercial heating. As national and regional air quality standards
continue to be implemented the market for pellets can only continue to grow.”
Andy Matheson continues: “Nature’s Flame is looking forward to expanding its pellet heat options into other commercial
and industrial markets as we continue to pursue our commitment to help New Zealand in its transition to reliable, clean
and affordable renewable energy.”
ENDS
[1] Nature’s Flame is a subsidiary of Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd. Solid Energy purchased Nature’s Flame in 2003, as
part of its commitment to providing clean, affordable home heating for all New Zealanders.