Increasing our supply and use of renewable, low carbon energy is critical in achieving our emissions targets and playing our part addressing climate change. While around 80-85% of our electricity generation is currently from renewable sources, we are reliant on fossil fuels for 99% of transport energy and around 60% of industrial energy.

Across the economy we will need to utilise a mixture of different renewable energy sources, so that we can meet energy demand in the long term and ensure a secure and affordable energy supply.

  • Wind

    High average wind speeds make wind an abundant energy source in New Zealand, and its use is projected to increase significantly.

  • Solar

    Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere energy is needed, and the technology is becoming increasingly commercially viable.

  • Hydro

    A reliable and controllable energy source, hydro generation provides the backbone of New Zealand’s electricity system.

  • Geothermal

    New Zealand has an abundant supply of geothermal energy because we are located on the boundary between two tectonic plates.

  • Biomass

    Biomass is a low emissions renewable energy source. Replacing coal with biomass in a boiler can reduce overall carbon emissions by up to 99%.