Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa leads groundbreaking green hydrogen and methanol project near Whanganui
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is advancing a significant renewable energy project near Whanganui, focusing on a 280-megawatt wind and solar farm on the iwi's Harakeke block. Collaborating with Taranaki-based Hiringa Energy, the project management involves using electrolysis to produce around 15,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which can then be converted into up to 90,000 tonnes of green methanol each year by combining it with captured carbon dioxide.
Initially, the mission was to decarbonize New Zealand's heavy transport sector. However, the scope has since expanded to include green methanol for shipping and potentially sustainable aviation fuel. The iwi views this as more than just an environmental endeavor—it's an opportunity to generate lasting revenue, create jobs, and restore land while maintaining ownership in the value chain.
Final investment decisions are anticipated by 2028. If successful, the project would represent a substantial shift for the iwi, transitioning from traditional primary industries into large-scale clean energy infrastructure.
The development promises multiple benefits: industrial growth on iwi land, direct returns from energy production, and employment opportunities. It also aligns with broader efforts to reduce emissions in transport sectors. The iwi's leadership in this space could set a precedent for Māori-led renewable energy projects across the country.
