14 | Committed to lowering emissions The decision to engage local companies wherever possible created significant economic value for Taranaki. T T from page 12 Methanex REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “Another challenge lay in the design and manufacture of a support system for the new trays that was compatible with the original design of the 1994-built distillation column. Alignment between new and old was assured through careful inspection during the manufacturing process. Not all eventualities can be planned for, and the team needed to be agile in addressing unforeseen challenges.” Reflecting on the successful execution of the project and its benefits, Stuart says the team took every opportunity to maximise their positive environmental impact, including sending 170 tonnes of old trays to be recycled. “The project also delivered significant economic and environmental benefits for the region. The decision to engage local companies wherever possible created significant economic value for Taranaki. “The scale of the project and size of the investment amount is a bold demonstration of Methanex’s commitment to protecting the environment. This project signals that Methanex is willing to take action and make significant investments to create a lower-emissions future,” Stuart says. Methanol is an essential ingredient used to produce hundreds of everyday industrial and consumer items, including solar panels, wind turbines and electric cars. It is also a cleaner-burning, cost-competitive alternative fuel, especially in the marine market. Methanex is New Zealand’s only methanol manufacturer. The Canadian-owned company bought existing assets in 1993, and its plants have the capacity to produce 2.2 million tonnes of methanol annually, with 95% of the product exported to the Asia Pacific. “Methanex New Zealand has a strong history of balancing the country’s gas market,” says Stuart. “We recognise our responsibility to ensure New Zealanders are not disadvantaged by our use of this valuable resource. “Over the past three winters, we’ve supported New Zealand’s energy security by reducing our demand to help keep the lights on and homes heated. Our consistent base-load demand supports upstream investment, which is crucial to provide support for the highly renewable power supply sector.” Methanex is committed to playing an active role in the transition to a low-carbon economy by leveraging its existing production assets and collaborating with government and industry. “Our objective is to drive solutions that meet the growing demand for our product in ways that support the environmental commitment of our company, industry and customers. “Globally, Methanex is taking concrete steps to achieve our 10% GHG intensity reduction target by 2030, exploring multiple pathways to reduce the carbon intensity of our existing methanol plants. “We continue to focus on plant efficiency, plant reliability and are identifying ways to upgrade our existing facilities to improve energy efficiency and lower GHG emissions. These efforts have already resulted in a 5% decrease in emissions intensity since 2019.” Warner Construction is proud to be associated with Methanex General Engineering • Pipeline Construction • Geothermal • Bolt Tensioning • Blast & Paint • Transport Services Waitara (Head Office) 06 754 8602 adam@warnerconstruction.co.nz 36 Norman St, Waitara, New Plymouth 4320 Taupo 07 376 5753 grant@warnerconstruction.co.nz 528 Rakaunui Road, Tauhara, Taupo 3330 Bell Block 06 755 4504 adam@warnerconstruction.co.nz 65 De Havilland Drive, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4312 www.warnerconstruction.co.nz
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