Commercial Diesel Boiler Replacement: Save 60–75% by Switching to Wood Fuel
The Government announced last week that it is investing $37 million to accelerate work to replace diesel boilers at up to 70 schools nationwide, removing dependence on diesel and protecting schools from future fuel price shocks.
The Bioenergy Association welcomes the Government’s decision, stating that it’s a win for energy security and regional jobs:
“The current crisis starkly illustrates that diesel dependence exposes schools, hospitals, and businesses to volatile global fuel prices and availability. By contrast, wood fuel is produced domestically, creating stable demand for forestry residues and supporting jobs in rural regions. This shift keeps more spending circulating within New Zealand rather than flowing offshore.”
The upgrade is expected to save around 600,000 litres of diesel per year and deliver cost relief while improving long-term resilience.
At Apricus Eco, we’re already seeing the consequences of diesel dependence. Schools, hospitals, and industrial heat users are being hit by unpredictable fuel costs, with every global oil price spike flowing directly into operating budgets.
The alternative is proven, stable, and cost-effective:
Wood fuel prices are significantly more stable than diesel
Fixed-price supply contracts are available
Fuel is locally sourced, supporting New Zealand jobs
Modern high-efficiency boilers deliver strong, reliable performance
Maintenance costs are substantially lower
With over 50 of successful school and commercial boiler replacements completed across New Zealand, Apricus Eco is at the forefront of helping organisations move away from diesel — reducing costs, stabilising energy spend, and strengthening long-term resilience.
The cost difference speaks for itself.
Switching from diesel to wood fuel can reduce heating costs by 60–75%:
Wood chip: $10–$14 per GJ
Wood pellets: $20–$22 per GJ
Diesel: $45–$55 per GJ (currently over $70 per GJ)
For organisations relying on process heat, the question is no longer if you move away from diesel – but when.
Please Note: Figures in our posts are subject to change over time. While we do our best to keep information up to date, all figures were accurate at the time of publication, which for this article was:
