2120 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Energy

2120 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Energy: What are the stages of the procurement process for an LNG terminal?

Hon Simon Watts: In October we called for: 1. Registrations of interest from any potential providers wanting to be involved in the procurement process. This established the pool of potential respondents in the procurement process, ensuring that they met certain criteria. 2. Proposals for accelerated delivery solutions which could see a facility in place for 2027. This was optional for respondents – they could submit a proposal if it met this expedited timeframe. MBIE is working with the shortlisted candidates to assess the feasibility of the submissions for an accelerated delivery solution. MBIE will identify the top two to three submissions to progress to a closed procurement process and the aim is to sign a contract with a preferred supplier in mid-2026. The Government’s preference is to work towards an accelerated delivery model. However, should this accelerated procurement process not produce a preferred proposal, we have the option to initiate a closed Request for Proposals under a more conventional (rather than expedited) procurement approach. We would invite submissions from respondents who submitted a successful Registration of Interest in late 2025.