Doubling Gas Storage Capacity in NZ Through Engineering Precision

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Improving flexibility at a critical energy asset.

To strengthen gas supply resilience for a major power station, a key underground storage facility in Taranaki underwent a strategic capacity upgrade.

The upgrade was designed to increase gas injection and withdrawal rates from 35 to 65 terajoules per day. Verbrec was engaged to provide multidisciplinary support across design, procurement and commissioning, helping the facility meet its expanded performance targets safely and efficiently.

65 TJ/day

Expanded gas injection and withdrawal capacity.

Full lifecycle

Support delivered from concept through to commissioning.

Brownfield integration

Upgrades delivered with minimal disruption to live operations.

Aerial view power station

Designing for throughput and reliability.

Verbrec’s scope extended across the full project lifecycle, from concept design and detailed engineering through to procurement, construction support and final commissioning.

Working within an integrated team structure, Verbrec helped maintain alignment between design, execution and operational requirements throughout the upgrade. This whole-of-project involvement supported a smoother transition from early planning through to plant handover, while keeping the focus on performance, safety and delivery certainty.

Upgrading while operational

As a live facility, the site required careful planning to integrate new infrastructure without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Verbrec applied its brownfield engineering experience to connect new systems into the existing facility while maintaining operational continuity. The work required detailed interface planning, strong safety protocols and close coordination with site teams to manage risk and ensure the upgrade could be delivered efficiently within an operating asset environment.

Concept design and detailed engineering.
Procurement and construction support.
Commissioning and handover support.
Detailed interface planning for brownfield integration.
Safety-led coordination with site teams throughout delivery.

Building resilience into the network.

Strengthening daily supply flexibility and long-term energy stability

With the upgrade complete, the facility now provides significantly greater flexibility to the energy system it supports. By doubling capacity, the site is better positioned to balance daily and seasonal demand, enabling faster and more flexible access to stored gas when it is needed most. The result is a stronger, more resilient role for gas storage within New Zealand’s broader energy mix.