Simon Watts: Energy Minister on the proposed plan for a LNG import facility

There’s confidence a new gas importing facility will deliver benefits that outweigh the costs. 

The Government’s confirmed it will build a liquefied natural gas import facility in Taranaki, with a contract expected by mid-year. 

It says the project will save the country about $265 million annually – roughly $50 per household. 

Energy Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking that Huntly Power Station only covers 50% of the energy problem, and while they have gas generation capacity out there, they don’t have the fuel to run it during dry years.  

He says it’s why they need that certainty of volume and certainty of supply.  

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