NZ Herald reported that ‘Genesis Energy inches towards burning biomass at Huntly in a plan to reduce coal dependency’. Genesis Energy and ASX-listed Foresta having signed a term-sheet to advance negotiations on the supply of torrefied biomass, or black pellets, for electricity generation at the Huntly Power Station’. This is an environmental advantage, especially since the US ENERGY Administration Information disclosed that there are ‘several principal emissions result from burning coal :

• Sulfur dioxide, which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses

• Nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses

• Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, respiratory illnesses, and lung disease

• Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)

• Mercury and other heavy metals, which have been linked to both neurological and developmental damage in humans and other animals

• Fly ash and bottom ash, which are residues created when power plants burn coal’.

PTC workshop continues to reinforce the need for more renewable sources of energy as we create a more sustainable environment.