12 | NZ gateway to markets in Asia T from page 10 Methanex New Zealand’s managing director, Stuart McCall, says Methanex would be the largest energy consumer in the country, consuming about 40% of New Zealand’s natural gas as a raw material in the making of methanol. ENERGY Methanex NZ “The gas is run over a catalyst to create the chemical reaction to produce methanol. We have capacity to produce 2.2 million tonnes of methanol each year through our plants in New Zealand, which would represent about 3% of the global methanol production. “There is a lot of press around fossil fuels but the bit that gets missed with Methanol is that we actually take the gas/carbon and most of it gets embedded into a product, so the carbon is not being emitted.” Last year the Waitara Valley plant, the smallest of the three plants, was idled mainly because the Pohokura offshore gas line couldn’t supply as much gas as originally expected. “When there are little hiccups, as a big gas user we suffer, but it’s part and parcel of our business.” The New Zealand assets represent about 25% of the company’s global capacity and is a key gateway to the Methanol markets in Asia. It also plays a significant part in the local economy. “We represent about 10% of the Taranaki economy, contributing about $850 million every year, employing over two hundred people and supporting over 3000 jobs when you look at the extended footprint.” Methanex’s subsidiary shipping company called Waterfront Shipping has a fleet of thirty methanol tankers that are used to transport the product around the world. By the end of next year 60% of those ships will be capable of running on methanol itself, instead of dirtier marine fuels. “Running on methanol can significantly reduce emissions. It is being taken up with considerable interest from large shipping companies around the world, as a cleaner fuel.” Looking to the future, Stuart says there is a symbiotic relationship with the gas companies. “We are their main customer. So as long as we are still around the gas suppliers will keep looking for gas reserves and as long as they keep looking for gas reserves, we will still be around. “Unless you can picture a world where almost nothing man-made exists there is not an easily substitutable product for methanol or other oil or gas products. “So to me the focus on the next few decades is how we can make that with lower emissions. “We are confident that there is a long term future here, and we see a very strong on-going demand globally for methanol going forward.” A long and successful history of adding value for Methanex by delivering excellent solutions through the expert application of appropriate technology Level 1, 87 Devon Street East, New Plymouth 4310 | P: 06 759 2199 E: enquiry@pandp.co.nz 471 St Aubyn Street, Moturoa, New Plymouth 021 245 2839 info@jgp.co.nz www.jgp.co.nz • Energy & Gas • Power Generation • Water • Ports • Primary Industries • Future Energy Specialised Project Management, Consultancy, and Supervision company Delivering Project Success Approved Methanex Professional Services Provider • CNC & LARGE CAPACITY MACHINING • HEAVY & SPECIALIST FABRICATION • PORTABLE ON-SITE MACHINING SERVICES • MECHANICAL FITTING & MAINTENANCE • ENGINEERING SUPPORT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • 24 HOUR, 7 DAY SERVICE 06 759 8014 | www.paceengineering.co.nz | 85 Katere Rd, New Plymouth PROUD TO SUPPLY QUALITY & PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO METHANEX General Engineering - Pipeline Construction - Geothermal Bolt Tensioning - Blast & Paint - Transport Services Waitara - Head Office PH: (06) 754 8602 Email: adam@warnerconstruction.co.nz | Address: 36 Norman Street, Waitara, New Plymouth 4320 Taupo PH: (07) 376 5753 Email: grant@warnerconstruction.co.nz | Address: 32 Manuka Street, Tauhara, Taupo 3330 Bell Block PH: (06) 755 4504 Email: adam@warnerconstruction.co.nz | Address: 65 De Havilland Drive, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4312 www.warnerconstruction.co.nz Warner Construction Ltd is proud to be associated with Methanex
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