Refining New Zealand and the global gas company BOC are hosting the official opening today of a $40 million carbon dioxide plant at Marsden Point.
Marsden Point oil refinery Photo: 123rf.com
The plant will capture CO2 produced in the refining process, and purify it for supply to customers in other industries, including food and beverage, dairy and horticulture.
BOC managing director Colin Isaac said the plant was able to produce 50,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, using gas that would otherwise be released by the refinery as emissions.
He said the plant indicates the confidence BOC had in the New Zealand economy, and the expansion of its food-production industries.
BOC has signed a 15-year-plus contract for supply with Refining New Zealand.