Low Carbon Future Award
This award recognises emissions reduction initiatives carried out by the New Zealand energy sector. We want to hear about initiatives large and small that contribute to reducing or avoiding emissions of carbon dioxide and/or other greenhouse gases.
Sponsored by
Fonterra Co-operative
Project Kowhai – Small footprint with a big impact
finalist
Low Carbon Future Award
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2026
Fonterra's Project Kowhai saw the installation of two Resistive Element Boilers at the Co-operative's Waitoa site. The new compact electrification technology increased renewable process heat capacity, enabling the removal of coal from the site, a critical and final step in the Co-op becoming coal-free across North Island manufacturing operations.The new boilers, delivered in partnership with Energy Plant Solutions, have reduced the site's annual emission by 9,200 tonnes of CO2e. The increase in renewable energy use supports the Co-op's sustainability targets while future proofing operations