Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announces construction underway on a sustainable green hydrogen plant in South Taranaki, backed by $19.9 million in government funding.
The project will deliver renewable electricity to Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Kapuni facility in South Taranaki for on-site operations while producing green hydrogen to power emissions-free transport at Hiringa Energy’s refuelling stations.
“We’ve waited more than five years for this project to begin, after it was delayed by years of red tape and appeals under the previous Resource Management Act consent process,” Jones said.
“A delay like this, for a project so important to a regional economy, shouldn’t have happened. I welcome the economic benefits, jobs, and alternative energy source this initiative will bring to Taranaki.”
The project anticipates creating about 50 construction jobs, plus seven permanent positions once the facility is complete.
“This will be one of the first projects in New Zealand to integrate wind, industrial renewable electricity supply and zero-carbon green hydrogen fuel production at scale.”
The $19.9 million investment came from the former Provincial Growth Fund in 2020. Total project costs could reach $112.3 million, with the balance covered by co-funding from partners.