New Zealand Faces Growing Gas Supply Risk

Core Insights - The New Zealand energy market is experiencing a structural supply squeeze, exacerbated by weather conditions leading to a significant reduction in hydro generation, which has dropped from 60-70% of the power mix to around 40% [1] - Wholesale electricity prices surged from NZ$300 (US$175)/MWh to NZ$800 (US$467)/MWh between July and August 2024, while gas prices also increased significantly due to supply constraints [1] - The government has initiated steps to revive upstream gas investment by repealing the 2018 offshore exploration ban and committing up to NZ$200 million (US$116.5 million) over four years [7] Supply and Demand Dynamics - New Zealand's gas market has shifted from self-sufficiency to structural tightness, with domestic output nearly halving from 415 million m³/month in 2017 to 215 million m³/month in 2025 [4] - The closure of the Taranaki Combined Cycle gas-fired power plant in late 2025 will reduce national gas generation capacity from 1,385 MW to 1,000 MW, increasing market sensitivity to hydro outcomes [5] - The chemical sector accounts for over 40% of New Zealand's total gas demand, with Methanex being the largest consumer, significantly impacting the national gas demand [6] Policy and Investment Landscape - The 2018 Crown Minerals Amendment Act and the introduction of perpetual decommissioning liability have led to a significant slowdown in exploration, with only five wells drilled since 2019 [2] - Recent policy changes aim to stabilize the market, but challenges remain due to reserve confidence and the long lead times required for offshore discoveries [8][9] - The government has approved new applications for offshore exploration, with decisions expected in early 2026, but the first incremental supply may arrive too late to address the anticipated tightening in 2027 [7][9] Future Outlook - LNG imports are being considered as a potential solution, but the timeline for establishing import infrastructure could extend to 2028-2029, leading to continued price volatility and industrial demand curtailment in the interim [10] - The industrial sector, particularly Methanex, may face economic pressures if domestic gas is replaced by higher-priced imported LNG, while residential and commercial demand is expected to be more resilient [11] - The New Zealand gas market will remain sensitive to weather conditions until new domestic supply or import capacity is established, with dry winters likely leading to higher prices and industrial curtailment [11]