John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive on Methanex closing its Taranaki plant

Methanol producer, Methanex, has confirmed it is shutting the Taranaki plant that has run for 40 years. 

It says it's struck a deal to sell most of its natural gas entitlements under current contracts, starting in next year's first quarter. 

The company says continued decline in domestic natural gas, and no clear pathway to meaningful new supply, means continued operations in New Zealand aren't sustainable. 

Carnegie told Ryan Bridge says Methanex stepping back will free up some gas to be used elsewhere, but it's a bit like a snake eating its own tail. 

He says we're gaining that gas but losing a major manufacturer and exporter.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.