Ecogas Named AD Hero of the Year at Global Industry Awards
AD and Biogas Industry Awards in Birmingham. Photo by Simon from Provision Photography
31 July 2025
Ecogas Named AD Hero of the Year at Global Industry Awards
Ecogas has been recognised globally, winning AD Hero of the Year at the prestigious 2025 AD and Biogas Industry Awards.
The UK awards, held during the World Biogas Summit & Expo in Birmingham, recognise global excellence in the anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas sector. More than 400 people attended the event hosted by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA)
With a record number of international entries this year, the AD Hero of the Year award celebrates leadership, innovation, and advocacy that are advancing the industry worldwide.
Ecogas operates New Zealand's first and only commercial-scale anaerobic digestion facility, converting food waste-to-bioenergy, at Reporoa in the central North Island.
Since opening in September 2022, the facility has diverted more than 125,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill — generating renewable natural gas and biofertiliser. In 2024, Ecogas became the first company to inject generating renewable natural gas into New Zealand’s national gas infrastructure, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to renewable energy.
The award was accepted by Andrew Fisher, Managing Director of Eco Stock Supplies and a founding partner in Ecogas, who attended the ceremony in Birmingham.
“Super proud to represent Ecogas and New Zealand on the global stage to huge applause with the audience acknowledging our efforts and delivery performance. It was very humbling to walk the entire length of the venue to accept this award“.
Ecogas was recognised among strong international competition for its groundbreaking work in a market with no subsidies or policy incentives. As New Zealand’s first commercial-scale anaerobic digestion facility, Ecogas is demonstrating the potential of circular infrastructure to turn food waste into renewable gas and fertiliser — and inspiring others to follow.
CEO of Ecogas and Pioneer Energy Group, Peter McClean, said our success has only been possible through strong partnerships and a shared vision to divert organic waste from landfill and create lasting value for New Zealand.
“We championed this technology in a highly competitive market with limited policy mandates or financial incentives. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, councils, and commercial customers who have supported us on this journey,” he said.
Jeffrey Clarke, Chief Executive of New Zealand’s gas sector body, GasNZ, warmly welcomed Ecogas’s win.
“I’m not at all surprised Ecogas has won the World Biogas Association’s award for AD Hero of the Year. What they have achieved is nothing short of remarkable. Through vision, persistence and a passion to do what is right, Ecogas has led a collaboration of partners who have quite literally turned Kiwi waste into treasure.
“Where others saw rubbish destined for landfill, Ecogas saw opportunity. They are converting the energy from food scraps and other organic waste into much-needed gas to power thousands of homes, generating heat and bioCO2 that significantly boosts greenhouse crop production.
“All nutrients are being captured to make rich biofertiliser to support Kiwi farmers. Communities should be replicating Ecogas’s Reparoa plant all over New Zealand to help solve our energy shortfall, reduce GHG emissions, reduce dependency on fertiliser imports, and so much more”.
Earlier this year, Ecogas was also recognised at home, winning the 2025 WasteMINZ Award for Excellence in Best Resource or Value Recovery Initiative. This national award celebrates projects that demonstrate outstanding innovation and impact in recovering resources from waste. The recognition reflects Ecogas’s leadership in transforming food and organic waste into renewable gas and biofertiliser, and its role in advancing New Zealand’s circular economy.
While anaerobic digestion (AD) is still a relatively new technology in New Zealand, it is widely and successfully used around the world. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States have long embraced AD as a proven solution for diverting organic waste, reducing emissions, and producing renewable energy.
Ecogas is proud to be leading the way in bringing this globally established technology to Aotearoa.
About Ecogas
Ecogas operates New Zealand’s only commercial-scale anaerobic digestion facility, located in Reporoa, and is planning for a proposed second facility in Christchurch.
Pioneer Energy Group and EcoStock Supplies Limited joined forces to create the Ecogas Limited Partnership.
By transforming food and organic waste into clean energy and natural fertiliser, Ecogas supports a more sustainable food system, reduces methane emissions, and helps build regional resilience. With no subsidies or mandated incentives, the company’s success highlights the commercial viability and environmental value of circular economy infrastructure.
What is Anaerobic digestion?
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a natural process that breaks down organic material — like food waste, farm waste, and wastewater solids — in the absence of oxygen. This process takes place in specially designed, airtight tanks and produces two valuable outputs: biogas and digestate. The biogas can be used to generate electricity, heat, or upgraded into biomethane to replace fossil fuels. The remaining digestate is a nutrient-rich material that can be used as a natural fertiliser to support sustainable agriculture. AD is a proven technology used around the world to reduce emissions, recover resources, and create renewable energy from waste.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Lara Mathews
Brand and Marketing Lead
Pioneer Energy Group
lara.mathews@pioneerenergy.co.nz