Financial support is available to help sawmills explore opportunities for cogeneration through FIDA Bioenergy funds and FRST.
Financial support is available to help sawmills explore opportunities for co-generation. This support is available through the FIDA Bioenergy funds managed by EECA. Funding can be applied for two main activities:
- Demonstration projects
- Feasibility studies
Demonstration projectsDemonstration projects are critical for increasing the implementation of bioenergy as they provide "living examples" of technology and systems. They are an effective means for educating businesses and individuals on bioenergy options.
Demonstration bioenergy projects have been used extensively overseas, with one of the major benefits being to stimulate innovation and to allow appropriate hands-on experience.
Feasibility studies
Feasibility studies are critical for evaluating new bioenergy opportunities. Although the FIDA support is closely linked to demonstration projects, its focus is on providing information for extending the types of situations where bioenergy can be used.
Feasibility studies would follow research related to developing bioenergy solutions and would convert research into commercial opportunities.
Many feasibility studies are "confidential" and the knowledge often remains within the supporting organisation. An outcome of this initiative is to ensure information is in the public domain and can be further developed.
Funding is also available through the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) to support innovation ideas with commercial value. This funding can be accessed through the Technology for Business Growth (TBG) scheme.
In addition, around $50M is spread across the Technology New Zealand suite of schemes for the 2006/07 financial year. The Technology New Zealand suite of schemes includes Grant for Private Sector Research & Development, Technology in Industry Fellowships and SmartStart.
More information on
FRST funding