Key opens pellet plant

Prime Minister John Key yesterday opened Solid Energy's new $34 million wood pellet fuel plant in Taupo, as the plant's first big export order heads to Europe.

The plant, operated by the coal miner's Nature's Flame business, processes pine wood residues from North Island sawmills into pellets for domestic and international customers.

"New Zealand has the potential to be a leading supplier of quality wood pellet fuel," said Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder.

- NZPA