Reducing process costs

Running a successful business means always looking for opportunities to cut operating costs.

Reducing heat production costs

The main markets for New Zealand’s forest industry are either dry or treated timber. In both cases heat energy is required. This heat demand comprises the larger part of the energy requirements of a sawmill.

Process heat can be produced through either fossil fuels or bioenergy. Burning wood waste to produce heat is a common way of saving costs on sawmilling sites. More...

Reducing electricity costs

The rise of electricity costs in New Zealand has sparked increasing interest in on-site electricity generation. By generating electricity as a by-product of heat production from biomass (ie. cogeneration), sawmills can reduce the amount of power purchased from the national grid. More...

Reducing waste disposal costs

Disposal of wood waste can be a major cost to sawmills. This waste can be either sold for other uses, or burned to produce heat. Utilising wood waste as a fuel has the duel benefit of reducing both disposal and process energy costs. More...