PEFCo in Timaru & Westland
Status of the project: Proposals. Unclear as LGOIMA requests have been refused.
Background to the project:
PEFCO is a Lyttleton-based company that says it “processes non-recyclable waste into high-density engineered fuel pellets.” Refuse/Rubbish Derived Fuel (RDF) is the name for the process by which waste is converted into a combustible product. Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and Process Engineered Fuel (PEF) are different names for Refuse/Rubbish Derived Fuel. In effect, these are greenwashing terms that purport to turn ‘waste’ into ‘fuel’ to make the idea of burning it seem more acceptable. See our factsheet here about Process Engineered Fuel.
PEFCo do not currently have an operational plant, but have indicated that their, “first plant is planned for the South Canterbury region.”
We are aware that PEFCO has approached some South Island councils with their proposal to use landfill waste.
The company indicates that PEFCO pellets can be immediately substituted into a coal boiler. There is no advice about consents.
Campaign updates:
A series of LGOIMA requests to South Island councils has revealed that PEFCo is in discussions with Timaru District Council and Westland District Council.
Our request to Westland was refused due to commercial sensitivity. A request for review has been lodged.
The released material confirms that engagement between Timaru District Council and PEFCO has extended well beyond a simple introductory discussion. Council has now confirmed:
● commercial negotiations are underway,
● confidentiality arrangements and a non-disclosure agreement are in place,
● feasibility assessments were undertaken,
● waste and site-related information was supplied by Council,
● governance and investment roles were discussed,
● and lease arrangements for baled waste storage at Redruth have been considered.