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Kupe project commissioning makes swift progress
11 February 2010 - The $1.3 billion Kupe gas project commissioning has progressed swiftly with the plant expected to reach permanent production status by March.
Sources: Origin Energy, NZOG and Lindsay Clark
Operator Origin Energy says in its December quarter report that commissioning tests have produced streams of gas, condensate and LPG from the onshore production plant near Hawera.
On 4 December 2009, the first raw gas stream was brought ashore, effectively signalling the start of an expected 15 years of Kupe production. The first sale of LPG occurred on 31 December and the first shipment of light crude from Kupe left Port Taranaki in late January 2010.
During commissioning in the quarter 0.4 PJ of natural gas were produced along with 46,000 barrels of condensate (light oil). About 500 tonnes of LPG were also produced in the period.
When in full production the project is projected to annually produce 20 PJ of sales gas which has been contracted to Genesis, together with initial yields of 90,000 tonnes of LPG and 1.7 million barrels of light crude. The relative volume of liquids is expected to decline over time due to the characteristics of the reservoir.
Related links
Kupe Field - Production Statistics - 08/09 Annual Report
