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What advice, briefings, correspondence or other communication, if any, has the Minister received on the cost comparison between LNG and other sources of energy?

Answered Question 5132 (2026)
Question published
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Asked by

Steve Abel

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • What advice, briefings, correspondence or other communication, if any, has the Minister received on the cost comparison between LNG and other sources of energy?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

A cost comparison between LNG-fired electricity generation and alternatives was included in the options analysis considered by Cabinet, and proactively released by MBIE https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31754-government-investment-in-dry-year-risk-cover-consideration-of-an-lng-import-facility. While some forms of fuel for generation may be cheaper, Cabinet also considered whether the form of generation could meet dry year needs, the infrastructure costs, the lead time to delivery, and whether it would affect private investment in renewables.