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 goal: Increase gas injection and withdrawal rates from 35 to 65 terajoules per day. Verbrec was engaged to deliver multidisciplinary support across design, procurement, and commissioning—ensuring the facility met its expanded performance targets safely and efficiently.
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Increased Capacity
Compression doubled daily throughput.
Full Lifecycle
Support
Delivery from concept to
commissioning.
Seamless Brownfield Integration
Upgrades with no major disruption.
Optimised for performance
Designed to meet flow and compliance.
Designing for Throughput and Reliability
Verbrec’s scope extended across the entire project lifecycle—from concept design through detailed engineering, procurement, construction support, and final commissioning.
Working within an integrated team structure, Verbrec played a key role in maintaining alignment between design, execution, and operational requirements, supporting a smooth transition from planning to plant handover.
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Upgrading While Operational
As a live facility, the site required careful planning to integrate new infrastructure with minimal disruption. Verbrec’s brownfield experience enabled seamless connection of new systems without affecting the facility’s day-to-day function. Risk was managed through detailed interface planning, safety protocols, and close coordination with site teams.
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Building Resilience Into the Network
With the upgrade now complete, the facility delivers significantly more flexibility to the energy system it supports. The increase in capacity strengthens its role in balancing daily and seasonal demand, ensuring gas is available when it’s needed most.
- This upgrade strengthens New Zealand’s energy resilience by enabling faster, more flexible access to stored gas. By doubling the facility’s capacity, we’ve helped ensure that gas remains a reliable part of the country’s energy mix, supporting both daily supply and long-term stability across the network."