NZ InfraWatch
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LNG Import Terminal: Port Taranaki
Crown / MBIE (provider TBC) · Taranaki
A government-backed LNG import terminal at Port Taranaki for dry-year gas security. Both shortlisted proposals use a floating storage and regasification unit moored on the Main Breakwater, with a preferred provider due later in 2026. No build cost is published because it is a vessel lease funded by an obligation on the gentailers, not Crown capital.
Data current as at 16 Sept 2026, when the pipeline was last checked against its source.
Key facts
- Region
- Taranaki
- Sector
- Energy
- Status
- Planning
- Estimated value
- Value TBC
- 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 power-bill levy was abandoned; the cost is now to fall on the gentailers under a 'lasting obligation'. 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.
Recent changes
- 2026-W37Major New project added: LNG Import Terminal: Port Taranaki (Planning, value TBC).
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 floating storage and regasification proposals shortlisted; mooted power-bill levy dropped, obligation shifted to the gentailers; a preferred provider expected later in the year
- 2028expectedTargeted to be operational