Here at Firstgas, it’s our job to operate more than 2,500km of gas transmission pipelines and nearly 5,000km of gas distribution pipelines. Together, they provide gas to over 67,000 customers throughout the North Island.
Keeping our network well maintained, as well as regularly upgrading and improving it, is a big task. To help us manage this work, we have an Asset Management Plan, which you can find here.
Recently we released our latest update to the plan – here are some of the highlights:
A new model for stress testing our pipelines
We are always assessing our pipelines for any sign of stress corrosion cracking, which has been very rare over the years. In 2022 and 2023, though, we were investigating a problem with a pipeline in the King Country and spotted three spots of stress corrosion cracking. That has led to us developing a new model for predicting the risk and adding to our excavation programme.
More excavations planned for the next five years
Excavations let us take a close look at a section of pipeline and undertake careful maintenance. In the past we completed around 35 excavations a year, but now that our pipeline is getting older, we’ve increased that. In the past year we completed 80 excavations, and we plan to complete 120 each year for the next five years. This will help us manage risks and prevent failures.
An upgrade to the Kaitoke Compressor Station
This year we started upgrading our Kaitoke Compressor Station, south of Whanganui. When we’re finished, the station will be more reliable, have lower carbon emissions, and cost less to maintain in future. You can read more about it here.
Mokau compressor re-wheeling
An upgrade to our Mokau compressors, north of Taranaki, was finished earlier in 2024. It has made these compressors more efficient, cutting fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. Mokau is the primary compressor on the network for the pipelines north of Taranaki, and it’s great to have it operating more effectively. You can read more about it here.
SCADA system replacement
SCADA is a software system that helps our various gas sites to communicate. Our existing master terminal had reached end-of-life, and some of its components were obsolete. It needed replacing, and that project is underway – it will be finished in 2025.
Preparing for the new train station at Drury
Kiwirail plans to create a new train station in Drury, which will be a fantastic addition for residents in this fast-growing area of Auckland. It is due to open in 2025 or possibly 2026, at a site under which our 200 pipeline runs. This means we will need to align the pipeline to work alongside the new station, and that work is scheduled for 2025.
Meeting our KPIs on responses and interruptions
We were very please to meet our targets during FY23, achieving our 100% goal for emergency response times, and zero major interruptions. We hope to repeat this success every year.
It’s not all about the physical assets
Although we spend a lot of time and money on our physical assets, we know that they are only one aspect of our work at Firstgas, as Paul Goodeve, our CE, points out:
“At the heart of our business are our people. We lead a safety-first culture, and we work as one dedicated team. We are excited about the future. We have a clear strategy, and a host of opportunities in front of us to make sure New Zealanders are delivered natural gas safely and reliably, right now, while we plan for the future.”
To learn about how Clarus is supporting the transition to a net carbon neutral New Zealand, visit Future of Energy.