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Member Spotlight: Dave Kitchen

Written by WasteMINZ | 19 August 2025

In this member spotlight, we talk to Dave Kitchen, General Manager New Zealand & Pacific of Bioenergy Limited

Dave says Bioenergy is passionate about about unlocking the value of residual waste that currently has no viable alternative to landfill. 

"These are the hard-to-recycle, mixed, and contaminated waste streams that challenge existing systems. By turning this waste into hydrogen, electricity, and construction materials, we support emissions reduction, reduce landfill dependency, and enable circular economy outcomes."

Tell us about your organisation

Bioenergy Limited develops modular waste-to-energy plants using MIHG (Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification) technology to convert residual waste into hydrogen, electricity, and construction materials. Our focus is small-to-medium-scale solutions for regional and remote communities in New Zealand. We aim to reduce landfill use, cut emissions, and support circular economy outcomes through local partnerships and fast, low-capital deployment. 

Why did you want to join WasteMINZ? 

We joined WasteMINZ to contribute to national conversations on waste reduction and circular economy outcomes. As a developer of MIHG technology, we’re focused on practical solutions for managing residual waste in regional and remote communities. WasteMINZ provides access to industry expertise, policy updates, and collaborative opportunities that help align our work with New Zealand’s waste strategy and emissions goals. It also supports engagement with councils, regulators, and other sector partners. 

Above: A single train MIHG reactor. The MIHG plant is a modular, containerised (40 and 20 ft shipping container-sized) gasification system that turns residual waste into hydrogen, electricity, heat, and construction materials. 

What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste,resource recovery or contaminated land?

We’re most passionate about unlocking the value of residual waste that currently has no viable alternative to landfill. These are the hard-to-recycle, mixed, and contaminated waste streams that challenge existing systems. By turning this waste into hydrogen, electricity, and construction materials, we support emissions reduction, reduce landfill dependency, and enable circular economy outcomes. We see this as a practical and scalable way to help regional communities meet their waste and climate goals. 

What are you reading or listening to right now?

I’m reading The New Zealand Project by Max Harris, which explores how values like fairness, care, and creativity could shape our future. I’m also listening to The Detail podcast for in-depth coverage of local issues, including climate, housing, and infrastructure. Both offer a grounded take on where Aotearoa is heading and what kind of country we want to be, a useful perspective for work and life. 

Describe your perfect day outside of work

A perfect day starts with a quiet coffee and a walk by the lake, followed by time with my partner, hiking or just exploring somewhere new. No emails, no schedule, just fresh air and good company. Maybe finish with a simple meal, a local beer or wine, and a bit of live music or a good book. It’s about slowing down and appreciating the small stuff. 
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