Origin Energy New Zealand has started the commissioning of Kupe Gas Project and the first gas and liquids are expected to be supplied to the gas processing plant located at Hawera very soon.

Origin's Executive General Manager, Major Development Projects, Mr. Andrew Stock said, "The complex offshore and onshore Kupe production system is now being bedded down through a commissioning period. We expect that full steady state production will be achieved in the next couple of months."

Mr. Stock hailed the contribution of everyone associated with the project and said that all safety standards have been followed to develop the environment friendly project. Kupe got support from industry, community and government resources for the successful completion of one of New Zealand's largest projects.

Origin's Executive General Manager of Upstream Oil and Gas, Mr. Paul Zealand said that the project would prove very beneficial for the overall growth of New Zealand in next 15-20 years by providing 10-15 per cent of country's total gas demand.

Mr. Zealand added, "Once fully commissioned, Kupe is also expected to produce up to 90,000 tonnes per annum of LPG - more than 50 per cent of the country's demand - and it will significantly reduce the need to import LPG to meet New Zealand's needs.''
(via TopNews New Zealand)