Damaging forest slash should be seen as an energy solution, not a headache to solve

A wasted opportunity is passing New Zealand by. Damaging forest slash should be seen as an energy solution, not a headache to solve. 

“While slash lays rotting in forests it costs communities in terms of flood damage, but as fuel it could slice household electricity bills, said Bioenergy Association executive officer, Brian Cox. “It’s known that energy from forest residue sells at about $16 a gigajoule (GJ), under half the cost of heat from electricity at $36/GJ.”

Biomass could supply 27% of the nation’s energy by 2050!

We have the potential to transform the forestry sector into a provider of biofuels, bioenergy and a range of renewable bioproducts. This event helps forest owners and managers, harvesting contractors, sawmills and wood manufacturing companies better understand the real value of wood residues and the opportunities in supplying this growing market.

Residues2Revenues 2025 is taking place on 21-22 October 2025 in Rotorua, New Zealand. The event promises a deep dive into transforming forestry into a powerhouse for biofuels, bioenergy, and renewable bioproducts.

Keynote Presentation – Dave Binnie, Head of Biomass, Genesis Energy

David Binnie is a biofuel leader in New Zealand. Biomass is a key part of Genesis’ Gen35 strategy to optimise energy storage and flexible generation, providing security of supply and grid stability.

His most recent roles include; leading the energy portfolio for Tūaropaki Trust, where he was at the forefront of creating a green hydrogen business; and as Head of Supply at Z Energy, where he managed the merger of Chevron’s NZ’s supply assets into Z and commissioned NZ’s first commercial-scale Biofuels plant. 

He will present a keynote on ‘the transformation and decarbonisation of Genesis’s solid fuels power generation business, and the development of a commercial scale bio-mass supply chain.’

Less than two weeks to go

Registrations can be made directly on the event website.

We also have a few complimentary places available – courtesy of WIDE Trust. To qualify, you must be under the age of 35 years, not already registered and have not previously received a WIDE Trust place for any past FIEA events. These places will be offered on a first-come/first served basis – by contacting Gordon Thomson via gordon.thomson@innovatek.co.nz or (+64) 27 275 8022.