A new study on New Zealand's gas market shows massive electrification or alternative fuels will be required to meet residential and industrial demand over the next decade, even if LNG imports begin in 2028.

But Energy Resources Aotearoa says the findings raise an important question - what could more domestic natural gas deliver to help New Zealand avoid this outcome?

The 2026 Gas Supply and Demand Study, commissioned by the Gas Industry Company and prepared by PwC, looks at two futures.

In scenario one, New Zealand relies only on its existing gas fields. Gas production halves by 2035, demand must fall by 61 PJ - roughly the annual energy use of 1.8 million homes - with constrained gas‑fired electricity generation and food producers and manufacturers facing forced switching.

This scenario confirms that in a future without LNG, natural gas remains the primary backstop for electricity generation.

With natural gas supply already tightening, choices have to be made. Without new sources of domestic gas coming online, business use of gas could be cut back in dry years to keep electricity flowing.

"The transition to electricity for food production, manufacturing, and petrochemicals - industries that employ thousands of Kiwis - cannot occur overnight." Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says.

In the second scenario, LNG arrives from 2028. Relative to scenario one, this keeps prices lower and more stable, supports manufacturing, food production, and investment in new renewables by moderating price spikes.

"LNG changes the trajectory meaningfully, and we support getting it here," Carnegie says.

"With modelled LNG, we would still need to see significant electrification or alternative fuels - as soon as 2027. More LNG supply than modelled could play a role in providing energy for industrials if economic."

The study flags the 2030s as a critical period, with major gas fields nearing end of life and domestic supply projected to fall to around 23 PJ by 2050. Even small delays to new gas supply from any source, LNG or domestic natural gas, increase near‑term risk.

"This tells us gas is essential for energy security for the foreseeable future. But it also tells us supply is continuing to decline - this is the alarm bell our organisation has been ringing for some time." Carnegie says.

"This study is valuable because it shows what we're up against. LNG is part of the answer, and we support it.

But it also points to a gap that more domestic natural gas could potentially fill, with less complexity and exposure to global markets. That case hasn't been fully tested yet, and it deserves to be.

Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the announcement that Todd Energy has been selected as preferred contractor to drill New Zealand's first exploratory superhot geothermal well, near Taupō.

Todd Energy was selected from four applicants following a competitive process to drill the pioneering well near the Rotokawa geothermal field, with drilling expected to begin around mid-2027. The project aims to reach depths of up to 5-6km, almost double that of conventional geothermal wells - where pressure, extreme heat and corrosive conditions make drilling complex.

Todd Energy has built specialised well servicing capability and applied drilling expertise across natural gas and geothermal projects in New Zealand and Australia for decades.

Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says New Zealand was a pioneer in geothermal energy in the 1950s, and the opportunity to lead again is exactly what a well-developed, experienced domestic energy sector makes possible.

"Todd Energy brings its own rig, a fully New Zealand-based workforce and an established local supply chain. That kind of readiness reflects the depth of capability our energy sector has developed over decades."

Energy Resources Aotearoa has consistently advocated that New Zealand's energy challenge is not to close down one fuel source before alternatives are proven and at scale, but to use the skills, infrastructure and knowledge of the existing sector to develop them.

"The Rotokawa project is a clear example of that logic in practice. It depends on homegrown expertise, built up over decades, to unlock a genuinely transformative renewable resource."

Energy Resources Aotearoa congratulates Todd Energy on its selection and looks forward to watching this project progress.

Upper Hutt & Wellington, New Zealand — Whole-home cooling is a big decision, so FAS Energy is making ducted pricing easier to compare. Instead of vague “from” numbers, homeowners receive like-for-like quotes that weigh total value—capacity that fits the house, efficiency ratings, acoustic performance, zoning options, and clean, serviceable installs.

During design, the team explains what different duct layouts mean, how grille selection affects noise and throw, and which control options simplify everyday life. Spring/early-summer bookings help secure earlier installation windows and avoid the peak-season crush. The result: durable comfort that feels great now and still makes sense after many summers.

“Clarity builds confidence,” said a spokesperson for FAS Energy. “When you know exactly what’s included and why, you can choose the right system—not just the lowest number.”

Value checklist:

• Transparent inclusions for like-for-like comparison
• Neat, low-impact installation and tidy finishes
• Practical advice on zoning, schedules, and quiet modes
• Dependable warranties and post-install support

See current options and request a tailored quote via ducted air conditioning prices in nz.

About FAS Energy
FAS Energy pairs practical advice with careful installation so homes across Upper Hutt and Wellington stay comfortable year-round. Customers can expect straight talk on pricing, respectful teams on site, and support that keeps systems efficient. With trusted brands, clear documentation, and workmanship that stands the test of time, FAS Energy focuses on comfort you can count on—summer after summer.

Christchurch, New Zealand — Over-cooling a room is easy; making it feel calm and even is the art. FAS Energy designs air-conditioning systems that pull temperatures down quickly, then hold a steady set-point with low fan noise—perfect for open-plan living and sleep-friendly bedrooms as Canterbury heat ramps up.

Technicians map glazing, orientation, and room use before recommending unit types and diffuser placement. Outdoors, mounting and drainage are planned to be quiet and unobtrusive; indoors, return-air paths and grille angles reduce drafts while improving filtration benefits for hayfever-prone households. Installations are coordinated to minimise disruption and leave the site spotless.

“Good design shows up in how a room feels,” said a spokesperson for FAS Energy. “Less temperature swing, softer airflow, and sensible power use.”

Project highlights:

• Capacity matched to space and sun exposure
• Neat trunking and weather-savvy routing for durability
• Filter advice for spring pollen and summer dust
• Clear controls walkthrough for quiet, efficient running

Compare options and request a quote via air conditioning Christchurch.

About FAS Energy
FAS Energy designs and installs efficient HVAC for Christchurch homes and light-commercial spaces. Expect transparent options, careful workmanship, and practical coaching on filters and controls—plus dependable warranties and after-care. The focus is long-term value: quiet comfort, sensible power use, and systems that are simple to live with.

Christchurch, New Zealand — Modern, airtight homes are brilliant for winter efficiency but can feel stuffy in summer—especially when the AC is doing all the work. FAS Energy is tackling that challenge by pairing energy-recovery ventilation (Lossnay-style balanced ventilation) with ducted air conditioning so families enjoy cool temperatures and fresher indoor air during Canterbury’s hot, dry afternoons.

The design starts with a walk-through of your layout: where people sleep, cook, and gather; how sun and glazing load each room; and any hayfever or humidity concerns. Supply and extract grilles are mapped to keep air moving quietly through bedrooms and living areas while the energy-recovery core tempers incoming air. Controls are set for summer—bypass mode when evening air is favourable, gentle background ventilation to reduce CO₂, and fan profiles coordinated with the ducted system for low noise.

“When cooling and fresh air work together, rooms feel calm rather than cold,” said a spokesperson for FAS Energy. “You cut stuffiness, ease pollen, and keep power use sensible.”

What FAS Energy delivers:

- Balanced, filtered ventilation that eases AC load
- Duct design for quiet supply and effective return paths
- Filter selection and care for peak pollen months
- Tidy, coordinated installation and a full controls walkthrough

See how the pairing fits your home via home ventilation systems Christchurch.

About FAS Energy
FAS Energy designs and installs right-sized HVAC solutions for New Zealand homes and light-commercial spaces. From the first consult to the final handover, customers get plain-English advice, neat workmanship, and practical coaching on filters and controls. Working with reputable brands and backing projects with dependable warranties and responsive after-care, FAS Energy focuses on long-term value: quiet comfort, sensible running costs, and systems that are easy to live with.

Taranaki could become an energy powerhouse or lose its national prominence in the sector in scenarios developed by a Taranaki Regional Council-led project looking at what the region could look like in 30 years.

The Taranaki Energy Scenarios initiative brought together the region's four councils, iwi, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, government agencies, industry and other stakeholders to identify four possible futures for the region's energy sector.

On the positive side, Taranaki could become a National Energy Hub or Regional Energy Innovator, but the downside scenarios would see the region turn into an 'Energy Island' or lose relevance in the Constrained Transition scenario.

Taranaki Regional Council Strategy Lead Finbar Kiddle says the project will help inform the development of a regional spatial plan and the four councils' policy settings.

'While we don't have a crystal ball when looking to 2055, the project has been invaluable in developing some best and worst case scenarios for Taranaki's energy sector,' says Mr Kiddle.

'We felt this was a timely initiative given there is a huge amount of uncertainty around energy and changes to the importance of oil and gas to the local economy.

'This will help decision‑makers understand how different energy futures might unfold over the next three decades and what these could mean for land use, infrastructure and regional development.'

The four scenarios were developed through research, interviews and a workshop involving all the stakeholders and are featured in a report by consultancy firm Beca. The work was also informed by the regional economic development strategy and action plan, Tapuae Roa and the Taranaki 2050 Roadmap.

The four scenarios are:

• The National Energy Hub sees Taranaki becoming a centralised energy powerhouse, hosting large‑scale renewable infrastructure such as offshore wind farms, tidal energy, solar arrays, bioenergy and green hydrogen production.
• Regional Energy Innovator sees the region embracing a decentralised model, with distributed energy hubs powered by solar, wind and biogas across towns and rural areas.
• Energy Island sees Taranaki losing its prominence as a national energy hub. Centralised infrastructure loses its prominence, while the more community‑scale opportunities around decentralised generation struggle to get off the ground.
• In the Constrained Transition scenario, the region continues to contribute to national energy generation but in a constrained environment. As the region diversifies, the energy sector gradually loses regional relevance.

Recommendations from the work include developing a flexible spatial plan for Taranaki involving all four councils, integrating economic and spatial planning and embedding iwi and community leadership.

'The project underscores that the future of the sector depends on attracting energy‑intensive industry, maintaining a high‑quality regulatory environment and wider economic diversification to guard against the negative scenarios,' added Mr Kiddle.

'It was pleasing to see a high level of engagement with this exercise that shows how committed councils, central government, iwi, industry and stakeholders are to finding a way forward for the region.'

Anne Probert, Director of Strategic and Sector Partnerships at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, said the report is an extremely valuable piece of work, and one that shines a light on the possibilities ahead for the region.

'These scenarios give the region a clearer view of what different futures could mean for our communities, our industries, and our workforce,' says Dr Probert. 'They reinforce why our region must continue to be bold, proactive, and focused on shaping our own energy future.'

The final report and summary report can be found here.

Cruising around Auckland in New Zealand's only hydrogen-powered bus, 30 energy innovators, investors, enablers and industry leaders will spend 4 December exploring the city's growing cleantech sector. The bus, which generates its own electricity onboard using hydrogen, sets the tone for a tour focused on future-ready technology and commercial development.

The group is joining the Auckland Cleantech Trek to visit leading industrial and marine cleantech ventures. New Zealand is fast gaining a reputation as a cleantech hub, with global companies already using locally developed bioenergy, biofuel and waste-to-value technologies - and Auckland is at the centre of this growing industry.

The one-day programme will showcase Auckland innovation, examine pathways to commercialisation, and strengthen connections across Aotearoa's cleantech ecosystem. The tour begins at the University of Auckland's green chemistry and engineering departments before travelling to Environmental Decontamination Limited (EDL), whose technology offers a leading solution for hazardous waste treatment.

Participants will also visit EV Maritime, an engineering and design leader in electric ferries, and finish the day at Outset Ventures, home to many of Auckland's deep-tech and cleantech startups, including Avertana, Ternary and Neocrete.

"To date, New Zealand's cleantech sector comprises over 130 companies and has attracted at least $535 million in private investment - so supporting this sector is not only critical to climate mitigation but also economic growth," says Associate Professor Natalie Plank, Deputy Director of Commercialisation and Industry Engagement at the MacDiarmid Institute.

The Trek is part of the wider New Zealand Cleantech Mission, a national initiative working to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies that reduce emissions, support regional resilience, and drive economic growth.

"Auckland is a major hub for cleantech innovation, and the more than 130 cleantech companies already operating across Aotearoa show that both Auckland and New Zealand can create world‑leading ventures. Unlocking real economic impact means growing a wider pipeline of innovators who can scale globally. The New Zealand Cleantech Mission was set up to support that growth and help these technologies deliver on their sustainability potential," says Jasmine Millet, Head of Sector Development at the Economic Development Office within Auckland Council.

Co‑led by Ara Ake, New Zealand's national energy innovation centre, and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, the Cleantech Mission is supported by Auckland Council, New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, Auckland UniServices, ChristchurchNZ, and KiwiNet.

An industry-funded initiative that kicked off earlier this year is requesting market feedback on a proposed template for corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), prepared for use in New Zealand's electricity market.

The initiative, led by BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC), EVA Marketplace and DLA Piper, launched the consultation process this week and will be accepting submissions on the template until 19 December 2025.

The corporate PPA template was developed and refined by an expert working group of 18 industry organisations that includes independent generators, generator‑retailers, large energy users, government organisations and others capturing key stakeholder perspectives.

"Corporate PPAs offer a significant opportunity to boost renewable electricity generation, helping to accelerate New Zealand towards a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system," says BEC's Ben Young.

"BEC is proud to support this industry collaboration which aims to increase the uptake of corporate PPAs by improving awareness and developing new tools, such as a readily available legal template, to make PPA transactions faster, fairer and cheaper."

The template drafting is led by DLA Piper's New Zealand energy team, including specialist input from colleagues in the UK and Australia on global trends in PPAs, ensuring the template is developed for the local energy market and also consistent with international best practice. The expert working group are considering relevant local PPAs as well as international examples, including those produced by Energy Traders Europe and the I‑TRACK Foundation.

"DLA Piper is well‑known for its market‑leading energy transition and PPA expertise globally. This initiative allows us to combine that international expertise with deep local energy market knowledge and provide our support for the growth of Aotearoa's emerging PPA market," says DLA Piper partner Rob Macredie.

"Templates can provide a balanced starting point for parties' negotiations, making PPAs more accessible, particularly for corporate businesses who may be less experienced with the use of PPAs as part of their energy procurement strategy."

Corporate PPAs are playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition. Globally, corporate PPA deals grew by 35 % to ~60 GW in 2024, mostly driven by US tech companies, according to the Financial Times. In NZ, deals are gaining early momentum, as shown in the PPA tracker recently published by EVA Marketplace.

New Zealand's high electricity prices mean more businesses are seeking PPAs for long‑term cost certainty and cost savings. There is also a growing understanding that, alongside onsite renewables like rooftop solar, PPAs with yet‑to‑be‑built, offsite renewables can have a greater impact on reducing system emissions than other energy supply arrangements, as highlighted by the UK Green Building Council and the New Climate Institute.

EVA Marketplace, Aotearoa's marketplace for renewable PPAs, instigated this initiative in an effort to reduce barriers to entering the PPA market.

"New Zealand has limited large‑scale buyers of electricity so we must demystify PPAs for smaller businesses," says EVA Marketplace's Paul Coster.

"In addition to a template PPA, the Initiative is also developing a guide to corporate PPAs which will be a valuable knowledge resource, facilitating a faster uptake and supporting general understanding of the concept."

While the template and guide are targeted at corporate PPAs, they can also be applied to other types, including government PPAs.

"It was pleasing to see government PPAs form part of the recent energy package, including the Energy RFI. Altering government procurement practices to support new renewables is a common‑sense decision which supports our legislated emissions goal of net zero emissions by 2050," says Young.

Organisations and individuals interested in participating in the corporate PPA consultation are encouraged to reach out to Ben Young at byoung@businessnz.org.nz.

Feedback on the corporate PPA template will be considered by the expert working group with a view to finalising the template and guide early next year. They will be made publicly available, and free to download, on EVA Marketplace's website.

• The Essence Power System is a plasmonic hydrogen energy technology
• Self-contained, requires no fuel inputs or any rare earth materials
• Environmentally sustainable with zero-emissions

Essence Global Group is pleased to announce its partnership with the United States government for the strategic deployment of the Essence Power System [“EPS”] and Essence Global’s other related advanced technologies.

The EPS is a plasmonic hydrogen energy technology with zero-emissions that generates electricity at a CapEx, OpEx and carbon footprint that is more cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable than other power generation systems.

The EPS is enhanced by the advanced sodium-ion energy storage technology of Energy Tech, a portfolio company of Essence Global Group.

The Essence Power System delivers in-situ, dispatchable electricity generation in capacities ideal for applications such as hyper-scaling AI data centers, utility scale power generation and microgrids. The EPS can start and run inductive loads.

The EPS is modular and scalable and is available in 20 ft containers [up to 1 MW of continuous electricity, 24 MWh daily] and in 40 ft containers [up to 2 MW of continuous electricity, 48 MWh daily]. The Essence Power System can deliver up to 570 MW of continuous electricity or 13.7 GWh daily on a 1-acre site.

Essence Global is continuing its ongoing series of successful commercial demonstrations of the Essence Power System.

About Essence Global
Essence Global encompasses a tactical portfolio of related technologies focused on market sectors including: plasmonic hydrogen energy technology, advanced sodium-ion energy storage, AI quantum computing photon processors and data centers, cost-efficient and sustainable atmospheric water generation, ultra-sustainable building technologies, and nano technologies and composite materials. Learn more at Essence Global.

About Energy Tech
Energy Tech has successfully developed and is commercially deploying its breakthrough sodium-ion energy storage technology. Energy Tech’s technology provides a safe, cost-efficient alternative to lithium-ion and other energy storage technologies for AI data centers, utilities, commercial & industrial, residential and other applications.

Contact
Tanya Unkovich
Executive Public Relations Officer
info@essenceglobalgroup.com

• The Essence Power System is a plasmonic hydrogen energy technology
• Self-contained, requires no fuel inputs or any rare earth materials
• Environmentally sustainable with zero-emissions

Essence Global Group, the developer of a tactical portfolio of advanced technologies, is pleased to announce that its Essence Power System [“EPS”] can deliver up to 570 MW of continuous electricity or 13.7 GWh daily on a 1-acre site.

The EPS is a plasmonic hydrogen energy technology with zero-emissions that generates electricity at a CapEx, OpEx and carbon footprint that is more cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable than other power generation systems.

The EPS is enhanced by the advanced sodium-ion energy storage technology of Energy Tech, a portfolio company of Essence Global Group.

The Essence Power System delivers in-situ, dispatchable electricity generation in capacities ideal for applications such as hyper-scaling AI data centers, utility scale power generation and microgrids. The EPS can start and run inductive loads.

The EPS is modular and scalable and is available in 20 ft containers [up to 1 MW of continuous electricity, 24 MWh daily] and in 40 ft containers [up to 2 MW of continuous electricity, 48 MWh daily].

Essence Global is continuing its ongoing series of successful commercial demonstrations of the Essence Power System.

About Essence Global

Essence Global encompasses a tactical portfolio of related technologies focused on market sectors including: plasmonic hydrogen energy technology, advanced sodium-ion energy storage, AI quantum computing photon processors and data centers, cost-efficient and sustainable atmospheric water generation, ultra-sustainable building technologies, and nano technologies and composite materials. Learn more at Essence Global.

About Energy Tech

Energy Tech has successfully developed and is commercially deploying its breakthrough sodium-ion energy storage technology. Energy Tech’s technology provides a safe, cost-efficient alternative to lithium-ion and other energy storage technologies for AI data centers, utilities, commercial & industrial, residential and other applications.

An independent panel has granted resource consents and confirmed notice of requirement, subject to conditions, for the Glorit solar farm and substation, North Auckland.

Solar P LP and Transpower New Zealand Limited applied for resource consents and a notice of requirement under the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023.The project involves constructing and operating an approximately 179MW photovoltaic solar farm with energy storage and a 33kV transmission line, and an ancillary substation at Glorit, north of Auckland. The solar farm site is approximately 300 hectares, with the solar farm on 283 hectares of the site.

The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.

The decision comes 150 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.

The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel.

Note that this application was made under the now repealed Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and not the more recent fast-track legislation.
 

A New Zealand energy strategy draws closer with the release of the long-awaited electricity market review and government action plan, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.

Acting Executive Director Ben Young says BEC welcomes two new workstreams created by government to deliver on their proposed policy changes, aimed at increasing investment in energy security and building stronger markets broadly across the sector.

"Many of the announced policy changes included in the plan have been advocated for by BEC and its members for some time, including all-of-government contracting and taking steps to address gas shortage concerns, with their solution being to fund the construction of an LNG terminal.

"Announced co-investment and procurement contracts will go a long way in addressing serious concerns from investors, who have previously lacked confidence in the stability of policy settings to commit."

Young says it’s important that New Zealand stay the course on a future energy strategy across successive governments, but announced redress for any policy changes that effect a project’s viability will ultimately be paid for by the consumer, as taxpayers.

"We’re pleased to see the Government has not moved forward with the suggested forced amalgamation of the 29 existing electricity distributors down to just five. The suggestion as part of the Frontier Economics review would have introduced unnecessary costs and uncertainty at a time where rapid investment, at scale, is critical.

"BEC congratulates the Government on taking positive steps toward a brighter energy future for New Zealand, and looks forward to the planned consultation with industry to strengthen framework on reliability and resilience, soon."