5129 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Energy

5129 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Energy: What advice, briefings, correspondence or other communication, if any, has the Minister received on the cost comparison between LNG and geothermal energy?

Hon Simon Watts: A cost comparison between LNG-fired electricity generation and alternatives was included in the options analysis considered by Cabinet, and proactively released by MBIE -https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31754-government-investment-in-dry-year-risk-cover-consideration-of-an-lng-import-facility. While some forms of fuel for generation may be cheaper, Cabinet also considered whether the form of generation could meet dry year needs, the infrastructure costs, the lead time to delivery, and whether it would affect private investment in renewables.