Vital role for NZ’s biggest gas user in climate transition

Vital role for NZ’s biggest gas user in climate transition
Pattrick Smellie
An 11-year extension to the life of the country’s largest gas user, methanol producer Methanex, emerges as a crucial element in meeting New Zealand’s transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy by 2050.The final report of the Climate Change Commission no longer assumes Methanex closes its operations in 2029 and instead expects Methanex, the user of 40% of all gas produced in NZ, to continue operations until 2040.The counter-intuitive conclusion reflects the commission’s recognition that if Methanex ceases operations, inc...

More Environment

School lunches: Recycling claims rubbished
Editor's Picks

School lunches: Recycling claims rubbished

Millions of 'recyclable' school lunch trays could be going to landfill.

Cécile Meier 05 Jun 2025
UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years
Environment

UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years

"We have just experienced the 10 warmest years on record."

AFP 31 May 2025
Backlash over proposed glyphosate residue hike
Primary Sector

Backlash over proposed glyphosate residue hike

Farmers, businesses and green groups raise concerns over a glyphosate rule change.

Cécile Meier 20 May 2025
Full hydro lakes drove down 2023 emissions
Environment

Full hydro lakes drove down 2023 emissions

But NZ's glaciers are still melting fast.

Greg Hurrell 16 Apr 2025