DOCSLIB.ORG

Māui Field Activities Impact Assessment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Māui Field Activities Impact Assessment MĀUI FIELD ACTIVITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT Shell Todd Oil Services Limited Final Report April 2017 0356643 www.erm.com The business of sustainability Approved by: Alison Lane Position: Project Manager Signed: MĀUI FIELD ACTIVITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT Date: 13 April, 2017 Approved by: Jonathan Perry Position: Partner Director Shell Todd Oil Services Limited Signed: Final Report April 2017 Date: 13 April, 2017 ERM New Zealand Limited 0356643 www.erm.com This disclaimer, together with any limitations specified in the report, apply to use of this report. This report was prepared in accordance with the contracted scope of services for the specific purpose stated and subject to the applicable cost, time and other constraints. In preparing this report, ERM relied on: (a) client/third party information which was not verified by ERM except to the extent required by the scope of services, and ERM does not accept responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in the client/third party information; and (b) information taken at or under the particular times and conditions specified, and ERM does not accept responsibility for any subsequent changes. This report has been prepared solely for use by, and is confidential to, the client and ERM accepts no responsibility for its use by other persons. This report is subject to copyright protection and the copyright owner reserves its rights. This report does not constitute legal advice. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY E.1 INTRODUCTION Shell Todd Oil Services Limited (STOS) is applying for Marine Consent and a Marine Discharge Consent for activities restricted under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act) associated with an existing petroleum mining activity. In 2015 STOS was granted a Marine Consent (EEZ000010) for a term of 35 years to encompass a wide range of activities relating to the extraction, production and transport of natural gas and condensate undertaken within the Māui Natural Gas Field in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The 2015 Marine Consent includes provision for use of platform and semi- tender assisted drilling (semi-TAD) rigs to support side-track drilling; however, it does not include the use of a jack-up rig to undertake these drilling activities. STOS’ current application is intended to enable the placement of a different type of rig, a jack-up rig, in the Māui Field plus other associated activities that are not authorised by its existing consent. The effects associated with the placement of a jack-up rig (which are slightly different from a semi-TAD as described in the previous application) are assessed in this application. The Marine Discharge Consent that is the subject of the current application is to cover the potential discharge of harmful substances through deck drains (offshore processing drainage) from a jack-up drilling rig. The proposed activities are necessary to allow the continuing efficient use and development of natural resources authorised by STOS’ pre-existing Petroleum Mining Licence (PML) 381012 (Figure E.1). ERM New Zealand Limited (ERM) has been engaged by STOS to undertake a comprehensive Impact Assessment (IA) in accordance with the EEZ Act that addresses impacts that may arise as a result of the proposed activities. This Executive Summary includes a description of the activities that are the subject of the marine consent application, an overview of the existing environment and uses in the area, and the findings of the IA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MĀUI IA 2017/FINAL/APRIL 2017 i Figure E.1 Location of PML 381012 and the Māui Facilities E.1.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS This IA has been undertaken in accordance with Section 39 of the EEZ Act and with consideration of the broader principles and requirements of the EEZ Act and addresses matters within Section 59 – 61 of the EEZ Act that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) must take into consideration in assessing the application. Accordingly, the IA process comprised of a number of key steps, namely: • Scoping; • Existing Environment Data Review; • Stakeholder Engagement; • Impact Assessment; • Environmental Management Measures; and • Reporting, Disclosure and Decision Making. E1.2 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT During the preparation of the IA STOS initiated consultation with a number of local and national groups identified as being interested parties with interests either within the activities Area of Influence (AOI, defined as the extent of PML 381012 within the EEZ of New Zealand) or the wider vicinity of the Māui Facilities. Consultation in relation to this application built upon STOS’ existing and ongoing community engagement programme as well as ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MĀUI IA 2017/FINAL/APRIL 2017 ii consultation undertaken for the 2015 Māui Marine Consent application. Consultation was undertaken with a wide range of potential stakeholders by a variety of mechanisms including: • Meetings; • Provision of a Marine Consent summary brochure; • Email and telephone calls; • Sharing the draft IA with key stakeholders; and • Seeking input on specific sections of the IA. Specific meetings were held with a number of groups including: • Iwi and Hapū; • The Māui Community Advisory Group (CAG); and • The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). E.2 LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK E2.1 THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE AND CONTINENTAL SHELF (ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS) ACT 2012 (THE EEZ ACT) The primary piece of New Zealand legislation that seeks to manage the environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas activities being undertaken within New Zealand’s EEZ and continental shelf is the EEZ Act. The purpose of the EEZ Act is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources of the EEZ and continental shelf. Sustainable management is defined in Section 10(2) of the EEZ Act as: …managing the use, development, and protection of natural resources in a way, or at a rate, that enables people to provide for their economic well-being while— a) sustaining the potential of natural resources (excluding minerals) to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; and b) safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of the environment; and c) avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MĀUI IA 2017/FINAL/APRIL 2017 iii E.2.1.1 Activities Covered by the EEZ Act Section 20 of the EEZ Act places restrictions on the types of activities that can be carried out in the EEZ, in or on the continental shelf, or in the waters of the EEZ. Section 20(1) of the EEZ states that: No person may undertake an activity described in subsection (2) in the exclusive economic zone or in or on the continental shelf unless the activity is a permitted activity, authorised by a marine consent, or authorised by section 21, 22, or 23. Section 20(2) specifies the activities that are restricted under Section 20(1). Section 20B of the EEZ Act places restrictions on discharges of harmful substances from structures within the EEZ unless the discharge is a permitted activity or authorised by a Marine Consent. The Marine Consent and Marine Discharge Consent applications lodged by STOS, and in support of which this IA has been prepared, are focussed on those restricted activities defined under Sections 20 and 20B that relate specifically to the use of a jack-up rig and associated activities. A narrow range of other activities relating to drilling and well servicing activities and the ongoing inspection, maintenance and operation of the Māui Facilities are also included where it is considered these were not described in the 2015 application. The Section 20(2) Restricted Activities are listed below in Table E.1 together with the applicable activities at the Māui Facilities for which Marine Consent is currently sought and the sections within the IA where these matters are considered. Table E.1 Marine Consent Scope - Section 20(2) Restricted Activities Section 20(2) Applicable Activity at the Māui Facilities Restricted Activity 2(a) the • Construction, placement, alteration and removal on and under the construction, seabed of structures, including debris, associated with pre- placement, installation of a drill rig. alteration, • Construction, placement, alteration and removal on and under the extension, seabed of structures associated with surveys, sampling and removal, or measurement. demolition of a • Construction, placement, alteration and removal on and under the structure on or seabed of structures, including debris, anchors, chains and wires, under the associated with the installation, operation and removal of a drill rig. seabed • Construction, placement, alteration and removal on and under the seabed of structures, including anchors, chains and wires associated with holding support vessels. • Construction, placement, alteration and removal on and under the seabed of temporary structures associated with subsea works. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MĀUI IA 2017/FINAL/APRIL 2017 iv Section 20(2) Applicable Activity at the Māui Facilities Restricted Activity 2(b) the construction, placement, alteration, extension, removal, or N/A demolition of a submarine pipeline on or under the seabed 2(c) the placement, alteration, extension, or removal of a N/A submarine cable on or from the seabed 2(d) the removal of • Removal of non-living natural material from the seabed and subsoil non-living associated with the removal of structures, including debris, natural associated with the pre-installation, installation, operation and material from removal of a drill rig. the seabed or • Removal of non-living natural material from the seabed and subsoil subsoil associated with surveys, sampling and measurement. • Removal of non-living natural material from the seabed and subsoil associated with the removal of temporary structures associated with subsea works. 2(e) the disturbance • Disturbance of seabed and subsoil associated with pre-installation, of the seabed or installation, operation and removal of a drill rig. subsoil in a • Disturbance of the seabed and subsoil associated with surveys, manner that is sampling and measurement.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Annual Report 2019
    ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 2019 Obligations creating opportunity “The best thing a senior leader can do is become incredibly interested, not in how the organisation failed to prevent the event, but in how the organisation failed to control the event…the presence of control is the magic potion for leaders.” Todd Conklin to Forum members, July 2019. www.zeroharm.org.nz Who we are The Forum is a group of CEOs, directors and country heads who are committed to becoming better leaders of health and safety in our organisations and industries. What we want for New Zealand Safe, healthy and productive workplaces. Why we’re here To engage, educate and elevate New Zealand CEOs so they have the skills and confidence to lead healthy and safe organisations. What we’ll do • Build CEO competence • Help CEOs influence and enable the workforce and supply chain • Connect CEOs to take more effective action • Help CEOs work with others to build the movement • Assess progress to deliver on our promises. “Every time I go to a Forum event I come away with a gem. I don’t walk away without thinking, wow, that was interesting.” “The Forum is a great vehicle, it’s a place I can be challenged in my views, learn from others and have a chance to refocus.” “The Forum’s Executive Leadership Programme is the best thing I ever did – it was real, gave me simple tactics and focused my energy on the heart and the mind of leadership.” CEO members 2019 3 Our members George Reed Craig Davidson Andrew Tombs Dean Brown General Manager Managing Director NZ CEO CEO 1st Maintenance
    [Show full text]
  • SECTION 42A REPORT Designations
    SECTION 42a REPORT Designations 1 Executive summary ................................................................................. 3 2 Introduction ........................................................................................... 4 2.1 Author and qualifications ........................................................................... 4 2.2 Code of Conduct ........................................................................................ 4 2.3 The Council versus NPDC ........................................................................... 4 2.4 Expert Advice ............................................................................................ 4 3 Scope / Purpose of Report ...................................................................... 5 4 Statutory Requirements .......................................................................... 5 4.1 Designation requirements .......................................................................... 5 4.2 Procedural matters .................................................................................... 6 4.3 Section 32AA evaluation .......................................................................... 13 5 Consideration of designations ............................................................... 13 5.1 Overview of submissions received ............................................................ 13 5.2 Chorus New Zealand Limited .................................................................... 14 5.3 First Gas Limited.....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Track Changes Version
    Track changes version for the hearing Taranaki Regional Council Notes on using this document This document identifies the various changes that have been recommended as a result of submissions on the notified Proposed Coastal Plan for Taranaki. Changes as a result of submissions are identified in red with new text being underlined and removed text being struck through. The submitters number is identified following the correction (e.g. (53) shows the changes were at the request of Taranaki Regional Council). Using this number the submitters request as well as officers recommendations can be identified when referenced against the appropriate provision in the Section 42A report. Consequential amendments to other areas of the Plan may occur to ensure consistency throughout, when this has occurred the submitter number who originally requested the amendment has been referenced, however, cross referencing within the Officers report may be more complicated as the requested change may be from a different area of the Plan. Some minor and inconsequential changes have occurred. These have been identified in blue with new text being underlined and removed text being struck through. Minor and inconsequential amendments have been identified for the convenience of readers and have only occurred where necessary to improve the readability of Plan provisions, align language within the Plan, or to better express the intent of a provision. These changes do not change the policy intent of any Plan provisions. COASTAL PLAN FOR TARANAKI i (This page is intentionally blank) COASTAL PLAN FOR TARANAKI ii Submitters Submitter number and name Submitter number and name Submitter number and name 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan Page 1 of 12 Issue 3 October 2020 – Doc# 1098131 Annex 2
    ANNEX 2 Personnel Details and Mobilisation Instructions These instructions set out the procedure to be followed when mobilising personnel in response to a marine oil spill. The decision to mobilise will be made by the Incident Command Team (ICT) and confirmed by the Regional On-Scene Commander (ROSC). Following is information on the personnel and contacts available in the region. Rescue Co-ordination Centre of New Zealand In the first instance the Rescue Co-ordination Centre of NZ officer should be contacted on 04-577 8030 or 0508 472 269. Trained personnel There are a significant number of MNZ trained personnel from various organisations in the region. A list of all Taranaki trained responders can be found at the back of this Annex and an up-to-date list can be found on WEBEOC. Labour Past experience has indicated there is a pool of labour available in the event of a labour intensive response. The pool centres on the oil exploration/production industry and port related hydrocarbon industries. Contacts are listed later in this Annex. Points to consider Safety The safety of human life is to take precedence over all aspects of the response operation. Persons employed in the operation are to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Persons mobilising responders are to verify they have been trained in the hazardous nature/danger of this work. Refer also to MNZ Health and Safety Guidelines in WEBEOC library. Mobilisation Personnel should be mobilised in the following order of priority: 1. Regional/Alternate Regional On Scene Commander 2.
    [Show full text]
  • International Internships Stayback Programme Guide Nursing Cap Expert 2020 - 2021 Programme Job Assist Regional Post Graduate Scholarships Programme Free English
    400 HOUR 2 YEAR INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS STAYBACK PROGRAMME GUIDE NURSING CAP EXPERT 2020 - 2021 PROGRAMME JOB ASSIST REGIONAL POST GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMME FREE ENGLISH Pouakai Tarns - Taranaki Maunga Taranaki, New Zealand Nau mai, haere mai, Contents ki Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki. Kia ora, Talofa lava, Malo e Lelei, Fakalofa lahi atu, 3 Great Reasons to Study at WITT Bula, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao, Hola, Guten Tag, Konnichiwa, Salve, Shalom, Bonjour, Aloha, Salaam, 4 Campus Locations Halito, Zdravo and Hello! 5 Our Campuses It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), the leading provider of tertiary 6 Campus Life & Student Services education in Taranaki, where student success is our priority. In choosing WITT, you can expect a very warm welcome from 8 Work Options our dedicated tutors and support staff who are among the finest 9 Employment & Internships in the country. They are experts in their field, and driven to help you succeed and achieve your goals. 10 Our Schools Taranaki is a vibrant, thriving and innovative region with an enviable lifestyle. It is home to strong oil and gas, dairy and 11 English Language Requirements engineering sectors, and a rapidly growing tourism and events sector. In keeping with our strong relationship with the region’s 12 Accommodation business community, we pride ourselves on ensuring our courses are aligned to meet current workforce demand. 13 Important & Essential Information Many of our programmes include relevant workplace internships 14 Programme Matrix enabling students to experience the 'working environment’ to compliment their course of study.
    [Show full text]
  • Preventing a Second Wave of COVID-19 in Taranaki
    Preventing a second wave of COVID-19 in Taranaki Shamini Mahadevan, Jacob Manning Final-year Medical Students 29/04/2020 ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this report is to identify groups once we move from Alert Level 4 who have a high likelihood of reintroducing COVID-19 in Taranaki which would then result in a large number of cases. Methods: A population health risk assessment matrix was created in consultation with various stakeholders and a review of current literature. Results: We identified 31 groups that pose a risk of re-introduction and this included nine groups who were assessed as having a high overall population health risk. The highest risk group was New Zealanders visiting family/whānau (Māori and Pacifika). Other high-risk groups were: New Zealanders visiting whānau (non-Māori), students returning home, young people coming home after losing jobs in major centres, drug dealers/traffickers, organised crime, offshore oil and gas workers, and locum healthcare workers. Conclusions: The best way to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 in Taranaki is by early detection and the use of non-pharmacological measures such as isolation and quarantine. Early detection of COVID-19 needs to target groups who are at high risk of bringing the virus into Taranaki and pose the highest overall population health risk. This report provides guidance on the highest risk groups in Taranaki and the following recommendations are made: Actively testing symptomatic people in the identified high-risk populations Regularly applying an equity lens to the testing data to ensure that high risk groups are being tested.
    [Show full text]
  • CDEM Group Plan for Taranaki 2018-2023
    Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan for Taranaki 2018-2023 Te Mahere Rōpū Tauira a Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management 2018-2023 Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Te Rākau Whakamarumaru Ki Taranaki July 2018 Civil Defence Emergency Group Plan for Taranaki This Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan for Taranaki was prepared by the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group pursuant to the requirements of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 and any subsequent amendments. The Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan for Taranaki was approved by the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group on 19 June 2018, to take effect on 19 June 2018 and remain in force until 18 June 2023. DATED at ___________ this ____________ day of ____________, 2018 SIGNED by the following members of the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group: SIGNED for and on behalf of _____________________________________ STRATFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL Signature _____________________________________ Print Name SIGNED for and on behalf of _____________________________________ SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL Signature _____________________________________ Print Name SIGNED for and on behalf of _____________________________________ NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT COUNCIL Signature _____________________________________ Print Name SIGNED for and on behalf of _____________________________________ TARANAKI REGIONAL COUNCIL Signature _____________________________________ Print Name Foreword I am very pleased to present the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan 2018- 2023, the third for the Taranaki CDEM Group. Recent regional and national events have continued to remind us that our region is vulnerable to geological, climatic, and technological disruptions. This Plan sets out how we seek to address the exposure, by enhancing our ability to prepare and to cope. The Civil Defence Emergency Management sector (CDEM) is in the process of transformation in Taranaki.
    [Show full text]
  • OMV New Zealand Limited and Shell
    PUBLIC VERSION OMV New Zealand Limited Application for Clearance of a Business Acquisition Under Section 66 of the Commerce Act 1986 Proposed Acquisition by OMV New Zealand Limited of Shares in Shell Exploration NZ Limited, Shell Taranaki Limited, Shell New Zealand (2011) Limited, and Energy Infrastructure Limited 15 June 2018 30750909_1.docx TABLE OF CONTENTS Part A: Executive Summary ................................................................................................. 5 The Parties .................................................................................................................. 5 The Transaction .......................................................................................................... 5 Affected Markets ......................................................................................................... 6 Counterfactual ............................................................................................................. 7 Industry Context .......................................................................................................... 8 No Substantial Lessening of Competition in the Natural Gas Market ........................ 8 No Substantial Lessening of Competition in the LPG Market .................................. 11 No Substantial Lessening of Competition in Markets for Other Assets ................... 12 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 13 Part B: The Parties .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • TARANAKI ENERGY WATCH INCORPORATED Appellant
    IN THE ENVIRONMENT COURT ENV-2019-WELLINGTON- AT WELLINGTON IN THE MATTER OF of the Resource Management Act 1991 AND IN THE MATTER OF an appeal to the Environment Court under clause 14(1) of the First Schedule of the Act to the Proposed Taranaki Regional Coastal Plan BETWEEN TARANAKI ENERGY WATCH INCORPORATED Appellant AND TARANAKI REGIONAL COUNCIL Respondent NOTICE OF APPEAL ON BEHALF OF TARANAKI ENERGY WATCH INCORPORATED Dated 18 November 2019 Rob Enright/Ruby Haazen Magdalene Chambers Tāmaki Makaurau & Wānaka E: [email protected] M: +64 21 276 5787 Auckland offices: Generator, Level 1, 28 Customs St, Auckland To: The Registrar Environment Court WELLINGTON INTRODUCTION 1. Taranaki Energy Watch Incorporated (Energy Watch) appeals against parts of the decisions of the Taranaki Regional Council (Council) on the Proposed Taranaki Regional Council Coastal Plan (Proposed Plan). 2. Energy Watch made a submission and a further submission on the Proposed Plan. 3. Energy Watch is not a trade competitor for the purposes of section 308D of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). 4. Energy Watch received notice of the decisions on 5 October 2019. 5. The decision was made by the Respondent. 6. The parts of the decision that this appeal relates to are Rules 27, 29 and 31. REASONS FOR APPEAL General Reasons 7. Energy Watch says that the proposed plan fails: (a) to address part 2 RMA by inadequately addressing the adverse effects of the oil and gas industry within the coastal marine area. Notably the plan: i. Does not promote sustainable management of natural and physical resources under s5 RMA.
    [Show full text]
  • THE NEW ZEALAND GAS STORY the State and Performance of the New Zealand Gas Industry
    THE NEW ZEALAND GAS STORY The state and performance of the New Zealand gas industry SIXTH EDITION | DECEMBER 2017 Message from the Chief Executive Gas Industry Co is pleased to publish this sixth edition of the New Zealand Gas Story. It includes developments in the policy, regulatory and operational framework of the industry since the previous edition was published in July 2017. The New Zealand gas industry continues to make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s energy supply and is performing well against Government policy and consumer expectations. However, as Gas Industry Co has been signalling for some time, the role of gas in New Zealand has been changing. This has particularly been driven by three interrelated factors: development of new energy technologies and associated consumer preferences; low upstream investment in a low oil price environment over recent years, with resulting impacts on gas reserves; and developing responses to climate change. The key additional factor which will drive further change is the developing policies of the new Labour- led Coalition Government. Climate change policies included in the new Government’s list of priorities will undoubtedly be a significant influence on upstream and other investment. Coalition agreements provide for introducing a Zero Carbon Act and an independent Climate Commission, based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, and for gradual inclusion of the agriculture sector in the Emissions Trading Scheme. The Labour/Greens Agreement includes requesting the Climate Commission to plan the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2035 in a normal hydrological year. For the moment, gas contributes around 22 percent of New Zealand’s primary energy, and provides over 277,000 New Zealand homes and businesses with secure and affordable energy.
    [Show full text]
  • GAS TRANSMISSION Asset Management Plan 2020
    GAS TRANSMISSION Asset Management Plan 2020 Appendices 2 GAS TRANSMISSION BUSINESS ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020 – APPENDIX2 A APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION AC power Alternating Current – is an electric current which CMMS Computerised Maintenance Management System supply periodically reverses direction, in contrast to – Software that helps the organisation plan, track, direct current which flows only in one direction. measure, and optimize everything to do with maintenance on a digital platform. AMMAT Asset Management Maturity Assessment Tool – Tool that has been developed to assess the COO Chief Operating Officer – Senior executive tasked maturity of asset management. This tool consists with over-seeing the day-to-day administrative of a self-assessment questionnaire containing and operational functions of the business. questions and accompanying guidance notes. CS Compressor Station – Station that contains gas ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable – The term is compression plant. often used for determining a value for acceptable risk. Risk should be reduced to an acceptable CP Cathodic Protection – Technique used to control level that is as low as possible without requiring corrosion of buried steel pipes, casing and vents. excessive levels of investment. CPI Consumers Price Index – A measure of changes AMP Asset Management Plan – Document specifying to the prices for consumer items purchased by activities and resources, responsibilities New Zealand households giving a measure of and timescales for implementing the
    [Show full text]
  • THE NEW ZEALAND GAS STORY the State and Performance of the New Zealand Gas Industry 2Nd Edition - December 2013
    THE NEW ZEALAND GAS STORY The State and Performance of the New Zealand Gas Industry 2nd Edition - December 2013 186219.4 186219.4 Message from the Chief Executive Gas Industry Co is pleased to publish the second edition of the New Zealand Gas Story. This Report includes significant developments in the policy, regulatory and operational framework of the industry since the first edition was published in February 2013. Gas remains an essential component of New Zealand’s energy supply, and since February we have seen a number of important developments in the gas market, including: significant growth in gas use, with annual gas consumption heading back over 200PJ for the first time since 2002; changes in major uses of gas reflected in rapid restoration of methanol production, partially offset by reduced gas-fired electricity generation; the emergence of two separate wholesale gas spot market platforms, indicating a further maturing of the market; and the commencement of a new pricing and information disclosure regime applying to some gas industry participants, introduced by the Commerce Commission under Part 4A of the Commerce Act 1986. At the same time, expectations for new upstream investment and regulation augers well for ongoing future supply, and existing gas infrastructure is likely to be adequate for the market’s needs until a significant new find triggers the next step-change. Internationally, gas continues to help countries reduce their reliance on more harmful fossil fuels and to transition to a cleaner, more environmentally sustainable energy future. The Report generally continues to paint a picture of an industry that is in good health and on track in terms of consumer needs and Government policy objectives for the sector.
    [Show full text]