Channel Infrastructure’s Marsden Point Energy Precinct concept.
Photo: Supplied / Channel Infrastructure

Channel Infrastructure, formerly known as Refining New Zealand, aims to transform Marsden Point into an energy precinct with a range of projects to boost energy resilience and support decarbonisation goals.

If realised, the Marsden Point Energy Precinct Concept forecasts an additional 2.5 billion litres of jet fuel would flow through Channel’s infrastructure over the next 26 years, or about an additional 140 million litres per year over the next 10 years.

The plan would also provide a liquid fuel decarbonisation pathway for aviation and a range of energy storage opportunities.

Channel Infrastructure chief executive Rob Buchanan said the precinct would unlock the value of 120 hectares of underutilised land as well as its existing assets, including storage facilities, jetty and pipeline.

“Executing on these opportunities would build additional long-term, diversified, contracted revenue that is not dependent on fuel volume, from its current level of around 50 percent, while boosting New Zealand’s energy resilience, and supporting decarbonisation,” he said.

Channel Infrastructure chairperson James Miller said the plan would offer benefits to regional New Zealand, with a combination of projects.

“For Northland, additional projects of this scale that would see manufacturing restored at Marsden Point could also bring important investment, with the retention of a skilled contractor base supporting economic growth in Northland,” Miller said.

Potential opportunities included manufacturing of other lower-carbon fuels, such as biofuels.