ENERGY

LNG Import Terminal — Port Taranaki

Crown / MBIE (provider TBC) · Taranaki

A government-backed LNG import terminal at Port Taranaki to cover dry-year fuel security for gas-fired electricity, targeted to operate by 2027–28. Two proposals (both inside Port Taranaki — not Marsden Point) have been shortlisted, with a preferred provider expected in 2026 and a contract by mid-2026. Estimated ~$1b. The initially proposed levy on power users was dropped; the Government now intends a 'lasting obligation' on the gentailers to fund and manage dry-year risk. Criticised for raising power prices and emissions.

40% · At risk

Completion Probability — likelihood this proceeds on roughly its stated timeline.

Breakdown▾

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Key facts

Region: Taranaki
Sector: Energy
Status: Planning
Estimated value: $1b
Indicative completion: 2028
Funding status: No Source
Lead organisation: Crown / MBIE (provider TBC)
Election risk: Extreme

Election risk assessment

Highly contested fossil-gas import facility for dry-year electricity security. The proposed $2–4/MWh power-bill levy was abandoned; the cost is now to fall on the gentailers. Labour and the Greens oppose it on cost and emissions grounds and would likely cancel it.

Government priority alignment

COUNTER — A fossil-gas import facility — at odds with the long-run renewable-electricity transition.

Chronology

2024Winter dry-year electricity shortage and gas shortfall expose security risk
2025Government review recommends an LNG import option to manage dry years
2026Two Port Taranaki proposals shortlisted; mooted power-bill levy dropped, obligation shifted to gentailers; contract targeted by mid-year
2028Targeted to be operational (as early as 2027)

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