Friday, 07 February 2025 08:55

Miraka targets 100% renewable energy

Written by  Staff Reporters
Last September, Miraka launched New Zealand’s first green hydrogen dual fuel powered milk collection tanker. Last September, Miraka launched New Zealand’s first green hydrogen dual fuel powered milk collection tanker.

Taupo-based low-carbon dairy company Miraka has its sights set on using 100% renewable energy in the next decade.

The dairy processor, New Zealand's second largest Māori-owned global export company, was the world's first company to use renewable geothermal energy in dairy processing.

Chief executive Karl Gradon says Miraka has always set lofty goals, and has set its sights on being fully powered by renewable energy in line with its core value, kaitiakitanga - caring for the natural environment and resources.

"We aspire to be 100% powered by renewable energy come 2030. Ninety three percent of our current energy already comes from renewable energy sources such as geothermal, so we are already most of the way there," he says.

Last September, Miraka launched New Zealand's first green hydrogen dual fuel powered milk collection tanker.

The 700 horsepower Volvo hydrogen-diesel tanker reduces on road carbon emissions by 35% per tanker which is the equivalent carbon reduction benefit of planting 1,600 trees annually.

"We've embraced innovation, another of our core values, to introduce green hydrogen into our operations and supply chain," says Gradon.

"This move has taken us a major step closer toward our aspirations of being fully powered by renewable energy. Any initiative which removes carbon emissions from the atmosphere is a good initiative."

The hydrogen is produced by Halcyon Power, a joint-venture of Obayashi Corporation of Japan and Tūaropaki Trust, a foundational shareholder in Miraka with its roots in the settlement of Mokai, 30km northwest of Taupō. The hydrogen plant is nearby to the Miraka dairy plant which also calls Mokai home.

The geothermal steam power which Miraka uses is also owned by Tūaropaki Trust. The steam is piped across the road from the Mokai Power Station to the Miraka plant. The remaining power goes to the national grid.

It is well known that in the dairy manufacturing process, spray drying - the process of removing water from milk to make powder - is hugely energy intensive, requiring vast amounts of power.

Miraka's use of renewable energy sources is world-leading and underpins the company's sustainability credentials. Miraka is a Certified B Corporation and Toitū carbon reduced certified - the globally recognised certifications endorsing the company's commitment to sustainability and social impact.

More like this

Wool pellets to boost gardens

With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.

Featured

Court decision a win for Southland farmers

Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.

National

Machinery & Products

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

Data crucial to managing water

Watermetrics was formed as a water data collector and currently supplies and services modern technology such as flow meters, soil…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

King Island rescue

OPINION: Two Australian cheesemakers have rescued the iconic Tasmanian cheese company King Island Dairy.

Baileys vegan flavour

OPINION: World famous liqueur maker Baileys is the latest to dabble with plant-based products.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter