12. PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
What announcements has Solid Energy made recently regarding underground coal gasification?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) Link to this
Last week Solid Energy announced its plans to commission early next year a $22 million underground coal gasification pilot plant in the Waikato. The process gasifies coal deep underground, producing a syngas that can be used in the production of electricity, and in the production of pure hydrogen to make a range of other high-value products, including methanol, synthetic transport fuel, fertilisers or waxes, plastics, and detergents. It is a very good initiative.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Link to this
What statements of support has the Minister seen for the underground coal gasification project?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
I have seen a statement of support from the Mayor of Waikato District, Peter Harris. I have also seen general statements in support of mining in the Waikato from the new Labour energy spokesperson, Nanaia Mahuta, who said that mining continues to make an important contribution to Huntly. She also praised the significant environmental contribution made by Solid Energy by creating wetlands, and its initiatives in fencing waterways. I welcome Ms Mahuta to the energy spokesperson role and I look forward to Labour returning to its old policy of supporting the economic contribution of the mining industry to New Zealand.