A marine consent that will allow continued activity on the Maui gas field will make an important contribution to New Zealand’s energy security says energy and resources minister Simon Bridges.
The Environmental Protection Authority granted a 35 year marine consent to Shell Todd Oil Services (STOS) allowing the continued production of natural gas and condensate off the Taranaki coast.
“Natural gas is an essential part of our energy mix. It is used by thousands of businesses and in hundreds of thousands of homes across the North Island,” says Bridges.
“It is also the cleanest burning fossil fuel and has an important role in the global transition to a low-carbon future.”
Bridges says the Maui field has historically been the primary source of natural gas in New Zealand. It still produces roughly a fifth of our natural gas and could produce for at least a further 15 years at current estimates.
“Last month, I renewed STOS’s petroleum license. Along with the marine consent, this will allow continued production from the Maui field,” says Bridges.
“The Maui field continues to make an important contribution to our economy and our energy security,” he says.
