Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy in New Zealand
Renewable energy is just as it sounds - energy that is
self-restoring. Examples include wind, solar energy, hydro energy and bioenergy from biomass (biological materials that store energy from the sun).
Non-renewable energy comes from fossil fuels like oil and gas. Once it’s used - it’s gone.
Renewable energy in New Zealand
Renewable energy resources have a major role to play in meeting our demand for energy. EECA works to remove the barriers and provide information to encourage the uptake of renewable energy in New Zealand. This includes supporting projects through the resource consent process, and working with Regional and District Councils to assess the potential for renewable energy in their regions and to offer guidance on how this potential might be realised. For more details and the results of this project visit the section on the regional renewable energy assessments.
Energy in New Zealand
Most of our electricity, some 60-70 per cent, is generated by hydro systems, with between 23 and 30 per cent coming from gas or coal. There is also some wind generation and electricity generated by geothermal sources, as well as a small amount from biomass.
Nearly all transport in New Zealand relies on fossil fuels, with the exceptions of electric trains and buses. Renewable transport fuels are expected to find their way into niche markets over the coming years. E5, a petrol product with five per cent bioethanol, could soon be available, and biodiesel is very close to being commercially viable. Small amounts are in use now.
Included in this section:
In this section you will find information about a number of different renewable energy resources.