New renewable energy record

New Zealand’s renewable energy supply has hit its highest level since records began, with 84% of electricity produced in 2018 from that sector and a driving factor in EV uptake.

New figures released on October 16 show 40% of New Zealand’s total energy supply came from renewable sources last year – the highest level since records began in 1990 and the fourth highest of any OECD country.

“This Government is tackling the long-term challenge of moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy,” energy and resources minister Megan Woods says, pointing to the highest ever output from geothermal energy and increases in residential solar as contributing.

“As we face the global challenge of climate change, New Zealand is leading the way with a record level of renewable energy supply.

“This all happened despite a relatively dry period for our hydro lakes coinciding with the well documented issues with gas infrastructure at the end of last year.”

More renewable energy is coming with the level of consented new wind generation equivalent to 45% of the hydro capacity.

“That means we are well placed for growth in renewable generation in the years ahead. We’ve already seen over $650 million committed to new renewable generation for the coming year,” Woods says.

“Our Government is backing that transition by investing in a New Energy Development Centre in Taranaki, more science research into emerging forms of renewables and developing a range of interventions to both encourage new generation and transition major industry away from fossil fuels and towards renewables.”
Woods says she will launch a discussion document on these issues later in the year.