Methanex will shut down its Taranaki methanol plant in 2027 due to a dwindling gas supply.
The Canadian-owned company is New Zealand’s only methanol manufacturer, and it consumes about 40% of the country’s national gas production. It will sell its remaining gas entitlements into the energy market.
New Plymouth mayor Max Brough estimated a loss of 300 “high-paying jobs” in the region and said there were no alternatives in New Zealand for similar work.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown called the closure “devastating news” and “exactly what Labour planned for” when the party banned offshore energy exploration in 2018.
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Long time coming. They were barely functioning 7 years ago. No more gas. 60% was decommissioned already. Not allowing exploration was such an idiotic move. New Zealand will be so expensive to live in sometimes it feels like a social experiment. How long can an island of people survive if we import everything.
Not quite true. 7 years ago they were still operating 3 plants. Waitara was the first to go, then down to one plant at Motunui running intermittently over the last few years.
“exactly what Labour planned for”. No, exactly what the unconstitutional NZ Company Church parliament planned for.
All thanks to the Labour Agenda 2030 wrecking ball to the economy. We are leaving Taranaki for the US this year. Hopefully in a couple of years time there will be something to come back to.
My brother was over there recently doing Route 66
And my son who said he felt safe in London but not in LA
Route 66 now cannot be traveled continuously as much of the original road has been bypassed or is no longer drivable
Also interesting the Lincoln Highway which has a rich history
Check out Amboy volcano crater
What happens if we run out of gas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImQrX10EZaE
Running low on gas can affect New Zealand’s electricity supply because gas-fired power stations like Huntly and Stratford use natural gas to quickly generate electricity during dry years when hydro lake levels are low, helping prevent blackouts
Running low on gas can affect New Zealand electricity prices because gas peaker plants often set the marginal wholesale price when renewable generation is insufficient, so reduced gas availability can push prices higher
Electricity is considered a hallmark of modern civilization as it is essential for powering homes, industries, and technology, significantly contributing to economic progress and quality of life. Access to electricity is often seen as a key indicator of an advanced society
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