Last coal boiler in a NZ hospital decommissioned

The decommissioning of the last coal boiler in a New Zealand hospital this week is a major milestone, Health New Zealand says.

The Greymouth boiler replacement on Friday signals the end of a project to replace the 13 remaining coal boilers across eight Health New Zealand campuses with more sustainable heating and energy solutions.

Health NZ South Island regional director of infrastructure Dr Rob Ojala said the project supported New Zealand's move toward renewable energy.

"Replacing a high-polluting system with clean, efficient heat pump technology cuts greenhouse gas emissions and supports air quality improvements for staff, patients, and community," he said.

The other campuses involved in this project were Tokoroa, Taupo, Taihape, Nelson, Buller, Reefton, and Invercargill.

"Heat pumps are cleaner, largely automated and unlike coal boilers, don't need fuel delivery, storage and handling so it is a true good news story for the environment and one all the teams involved should be very proud of," Ojala said.

He said the project was delivered under budget and was expected to result in lower annual operating costs as well.

The coal boiler replacement programme was administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

EECA group manager delivery and partnerships Richard Briggs said this milestone acknowledged the important work to secure reliable renewable energy for the country's hospitals.

"Some have been able to take advantage of New Zealand's renewable electricity, while others have used local fuels like wood biomass from forestry residues and even geothermal from the ground," he said.

"Each boiler replacement has provided important insights that help build sector awareness, confidence, and expertise, paving the way for further innovation and wider market uptake."