Home > Power & Electrical Equipment > Solar energy > News

Renewable electricity generation reaches 12-year peak

7/16/2011

Renewable electricity generation reached a 12-year peak last year, with 74 per cent of all power coming from renewable resources.

The figures were released today in the Ministry of Economic Development's annual Energy Data File, which details energy prices, reserves, supply, transmission and use.

The increased level of renewable electricity was due to new wind and geothermal energy projects, as well as good rainfall into hydro lakes.

Acting Energy and Resources Minister Hekia Parata said New Zealand was making good progress toward developing the full potential of its diverse energy portfolio.

Large gains had been made in wind and geothermal generation, while steady progress was being made to develop bioenergy, solar and marine energy resources.

"We are well on the way to achieving our target of 90 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025," she said.

That target was last reached in the early 1980s. New Zealand currently ranks third behind Iceland and Norway in terms of renewable energy supply, according to the latest data from the International Energy Agency.

Ms Parata said although renewable energy development was progressing, New Zealand would still need to continue with fossil fuels for the foreseeable future.

Gas and coal generated a quarter of the electricity used last year.

"Our fossil fuel sector continues to be crucial in supplying our energy needs and makes a valuable contribution to our economy," Ms Parata said.

The Government was taking a balanced approach to building a sustainable energy and resources future, she said.

"We are focused on renewables, the exploration of our natural resources, energy efficiency and the pricing of carbon as we manage our environmental responsibilities and economic opportunities."

Related News

Solar energy Exhibitions
	IDEA 2026 6/23/2026 - 6/26/2026 Ottawa, Canada
	Clean Power 2030 \| UK Solar Summit 2026 6/30/2026 - 7/1/2026 London, United Kingdom
	ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week 2026 7/1/2026 - 7/3/2026 Bangkok, Thailand
	Energy Storage Asia Summit 2026 7/1/2026 - 7/3/2026 Bangkok, Thailand
	Solar Power Africa 2026 Cape Town, South Africa
More Trade Shows