NGC anticipates future gas demand will come from industrial, commercial, residential growth, and accompanying additional thermal electricity generation.
Although there is still available capacity in the existing line, additional capacity will be required, especially if there are any new gas-fired electricity generation developments in the Auckland region such as Contact Energy’s planned Otahuhu C power station.
A “designation” hearing was held last July with the relevant authorities regarding a pipeline route designation from the Rotowaro compressor station, near Huntly, to east Tamaki, Auckland, “to secure NGC's ability to meet expected gas demand growth over the next 10 years.”
Gas processing and transportation manager Michael Cummings anticipates a report on the matter “within the next few weeks”.
External relations manager Keith FitzPatrick adds that NGC does not yet have any development timetable or exact costs, nor has it determined a particular pipeline size for the multi-million-dollar project.
However, it’s already planned the second pipeline will be laid alongside the present 14" pipeline within the existing pipeline easement.
“In essence, our designation application reflects prudent and efficient system planning and, if approved, will allow for the additional line to be incorporated in town plans and taken into account in the context of ongoing urban development.
“Also, by seeking the designation now, we will be in a position to move quickly when the expected additional capacity is required, rather than starting from scratch at the time,” added FitzPatrick.
