The New Zealand government is advancing its plans to lift the ban on offshore oil exploration, citing energy security challenges due to the “rapid” decline in natural gas reserves.

Minister of Resources Shane Jones stated in a Sunday statement that gas is “critical” to the economy during peak electricity demand periods and when electricity generation from intermittent sources such as wind, solar, and hydro decreases.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s administration pledged to resume oil and gas exploration in offshore waters after last October’s elections. At the same time, officials are also attempting to expedite the construction of renewable energy power stations.