Huntly Power Station. Photo: GENESIS ENERGY
Genesis Energy says it is "actively exploring" new generation for the Huntly Power Station amid concerns about the country's energy security.
The company said a new fast-start generation plant could potentially provide additional capacity of 50 to 100 megawatts and be available from winter 2027.
It could run on different fuels, including natural gas, diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The latter is currently not imported into New Zealand.
Genesis chief operating officer Tracey Hickman said recent winters and future modelling suggested the need for additional firming capacity.
"The Huntly site is best suited to house this additional plant both in terms of its location and proximity to key infrastructure," Hickman said.
"The Huntly site has existing connections to the national grid, is close to the high-demand centres of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, has the space and infrastructure that enable the plant to readily access and operate on different fuels, and has a competent specialist workforce required to manage diverse fuel supplies and operate the plant."
Hickman said Genesis would evaluate its options and approach the market to gauge interest.
Genesis said additional flexible generation capacity would help with risk management products that independent retailers, generators, and large industrial users struggled to access due to low supply.
"Ultimately, the appetite to enter into these contracts would be a key consideration in deciding to proceed with the considerable investment new flexible capacity would entail," Genesis said.
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