December 2018
Year in Review marks a tumultuous 2018
A controversial and busy year for New Zealand's oil and gas industry has been celebrated at PEPANZ's end of year function in Wellington.
Around 50 people (including several Members of Parliament) attended the event at the Cable Top Eatery. PEPANZ's annual Year in Review publication was also launched, highlighting our key work this year.
Some of our highlights in numbers:
- 16 submissions to local and central Government
- 500 mentions in the media (print, TV and radio)
- 1000 followers of PEPANZ on social media
Next year we're looking forward to a busy period of exploratory drilling, a Government review of the Crown Minerals Act and the New Zealand Petroleum Conference in the second half of the year.
Energy Voices campaign on a roll
PEPANZ's Energy Voices campaign will head into 2019 with strong momentum. Some of the highlights include:
- 5,500+ followers on social media
- 600,000+ video views
- Hundreds of thousands of people reached every week
This campaign will be continuing in 2019 because of the strong public support we’ve received. Many people have approached us wanting to tell their stories and be heard.
If you haven’t already, please have a look and follow Energy Voices on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit our website.
World Energy Outlook 2018
Natural gas has a strong future as a lower emissions energy source, according to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook for 2018.
The report says that global demand for natural gas is likely to grow 45% by 2040 under the ‘New Policies’ scenario. Even under the most ambitious ‘Sustainable Development Scenario’, significant new investment into oil and gas is still required.
A number of massive natural gas projects are underway in places like Australia, Canada and Mozambique. Also this month, South Africa has announced they will amend a moratorium on gas and oil exploration licences to allow new exploration and production.
New study warns of major costs in trying to replace natural gas
A new report this month warns there will be major costs to New Zealanders in trying to replace the role of natural gas.
The report by Vivid Economics “Gas infrastructure futures in a net zero New Zealand” was commissioned by First Gas and Powerco.
It outlines the major difficulties in trying to replace the role of natural gas in providing electricity to cover shortfalls in winter, and for heavy vehicles and industrial heat.
It warns there could be substantial power price increases for New Zealand homes and businesses as a result with a cost of up to $2,700 per household per year. This works out to nearly $52 per week extra in increased costs.
Natural gas hydrates workshop
A conference in Auckland next year will focus on exciting developments in the field of gas hydrates.
"Gas Hydrates – From Potential Geohazard to Carbon-Efficient Fuel?" will look at the challenges and opportunities of this potential energy source.
The workshop will look at the current state of research into gas hydrates and their extraction as a possible low-carbon energy resource, and project a way forward for mitigation of any potential geohazard.
The workshop is from 15-17 April in Auckland next year.
PO Box 25259, Wellington 6146
