Huntly capacity to support national energy security
CONFIDENTIAL
Market Release
19 June 2025
NZX: GNE / ASX: GNE
Term sheet signed for Huntly capacity to support national energy security
Genesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact have signed a detailed non-binding term sheet as a basis for
establishing a strategic energy reserve centered on Huntly Power Station in support of national security
of supply.
This is in response to the market conditions during winter 2024 where the market experienced a pinch
point on energy supply due to a combination of a faster than expected decline in the national supply
of natural gas, low hydro lake levels and low wind conditions. The medium-term outlook for gas supply
is also a key factor.
In February, the parties entered into a non-binding heads of agreement to investigate the potential for
Huntly Power Station’s Rankine Units (one of which was scheduled to retire in January 2026 and the
other two in the early 2030’s) to remain in the market and continue to play a key role managing ‘dry-
year risk’ and system security of supply, both in the near term and over a longer-term timeframe. The
detailed term sheet builds on the non-binding heads of agreement signed in February 2025 and sets
out in greater detail how the proposal will function.
The Rankine Units perform a critical role supporting the electricity system as more intermittent wind
and solar generation is added. A recent review by KPMG showed the Rankine Units will likely be
needed even more in the 2030’s as the country builds increasing amounts of intermittent renewable
generation. The long-term nature of this proposal will support Rankine capacity staying in the market
out to 2035.
The proposal will be similar to the Huntly Firming Options Genesis brought to market last year. It is
expected to cover a term of up to 10 years out to 2035 and will enable retiring Rankine capacity to
remain in the market, coupled with a strategic fuel reserve to support security of supply. Genesis is
also progressing its investigation of biomass as a fuel to gradually displace coal.
Following the formalisation of the proposal contemplated under the term sheet, residual Rankine
capacity will be made available to the broader market via further Huntly Firming Options and hedge
products.
While the term sheet is non-binding, it demonstrates good faith and a clear commitment by the
parties, as they progress to agree and execute long-form agreements. Genesis has engaged with the
Commerce Commission in respect of the proposal.
The parties intend for the proposal to be in place from 1 January 2026. Genesis requires certainty in
respect of the proposal by early November 2025 to finalise planning to complete essential safe
operating and compliance works in order for the Rankine Unit to be available for winter 2026 and
maintain Rankine capacity at three Units.
ENDS
*************************
Media contact
Estelle Sarney, Genesis Energy External Communications Manager
estelle.sarney@genesisenergy.co.nz
+64 27 269 6383
Investor contact
David Porter, Genesis Investor Relations Manager
david.porter@genesisenergy.co.nz
+ 64 20 4184 1186
About Genesis Energy
Genesis Energy (NZX: GNE, ASX: GNE) is a diversified New Zealand energy company. Genesis sells electricity,
reticulated natural gas and LPG through its retail brands of Genesis and Frank and is one of New Zealand’s largest
energy retailers with approximately 500,000 customers. The Company generates electricity from a diverse
portfolio of thermal and renewable generation assets located in different parts of the country. Genesis also has
a 46% interest in the Kupe Joint Venture, which owns the Kupe Oil and Gas Field offshore of Taranaki, New
Zealand. Genesis had revenue of $NZ3.0 billion during the 12 months ended 30 June 2024. More information
can be found at www.genesisenergy.co.nz
Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.
Other issuers discussed similar conditions around this time
Matched by meaning across NZX announcement text, not keywords — based on our semantic index of announcement bodies.
- MEL — Meridian Energy Limited: Meridian signs Strategic Energy Reserve Agreement2025-08-03
“Release Meridian Energy Limited (ARBN 151 800 396) A company incorporated in New Zealand Level 2, 98 Customhouse Quay, Wellington 6011 meridianenergy.co.nz Stock Exchange Listings NZX (MEL) ASX (MEZ) Meridian signs Strategic Energy Reserve Agreement 4 Augu…”
- CEN — Contact Energy Limited: FY25 powered by geothermal expansion and resilience2025-08-17
“Supporting energy security Reliable energy supply Contact has joined Genesis, Mercury and Meridian in signing detailed agreements to establish a strategic energy reserve at Huntly Power Station, subject to Commerce Commission approval. This initiative reflects the challen…”
- MEL — Meridian Energy Limited: Meridian Energy Limited 2025 Full Year Financial Results2025-08-26
“0 50 100 150 200 0 700 1,400 2,100 20202022202420262028203020322034203620382040 PJ PJ Gas reserves and production Remaining reserves (2P)Gas production (RHS) 0 50 100 150 JulAugSeptOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul (FY26) $M Energy margin FY25FY24 Seasonal and structural fuel scarc…”