7 July 2026
Department of Corrections New Zealand has successfully transitioned away from coal heating at Invercargill Prison, replacing its final coal boiler with a modern renewable wood pellet boiler system delivered by Apricus Eco.
The installation marks a major milestone in reducing operational carbon emissions within New Zealand’s public infrastructure sector and demonstrates how locally sourced renewable fuel can replace traditional fossil fuel systems at scale.
The project involved the installation of a 1MW ÖkoFEN pellet boiler system housed within a modular, containerised “Energy Box” design. A key feature of the project is the use of locally produced wood pellet fuel manufactured just 10.4km away by Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd.
The pellets are produced using recycled wood shavings and sawdust generated through timber processing operations, creating a highly sustainable closed-loop fuel supply chain.
“This project demonstrates that large-scale facilities can move beyond coal and gas today, using practical, renewable technology that delivers both operational reliability and environmental benefits,” said Marcus Baker, Managing Director of Apricus Eco. “This project represents more than renewable heat — it demonstrates how modular, containerised infrastructure can fundamentally improve the way large facilities transition to low-carbon energy.”
The project demonstrates how biomass energy can provide a practical decarbonisation pathway for large-scale institutional heating applications. Feedback from the Department of Corrections New Zealand, Downer Group, and Octa Project Management has been overwhelmingly positive regarding both project delivery and operational performance.
The installation is also believed to be the largest ÖkoFEN boiler installation globally, showcasing New Zealand’s capability to deliver world-leading renewable energy infrastructure solutions.
Source & image credit: Apricus Eco
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