Hon Megan Woods
Minister of Energy and Resources
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
14 October 2019
New Zealand’s supply of renewable energy has hit its highest level since records began as the Government’s long term
transition towards renewables continues, Minister Megan Woods has said.
“This Government is tackling the long term challenge of moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
“As we face the global challenge of climate change, New Zealand is leading the way with a record level of renewable
energy supply.
New figures out today show that in 2018, 40% of our total energy supply came from renewable sources – the highest level
since records began in 1990 and the 4th highest of any OECD country. 84% of the electricity we used last year was
generated from renewables, with the highest ever output from geothermal energy and increases in residential solar.
“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.
“There’s also good news for future growth in renewables – the level of consented new wind generation was equivalent to
45 per cent of our current 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.
“Today’s results show our energy system is moving in the right direction and the transition to renewables is well
underway.
“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. I will be launching a discussion document on
these issues later in the year,” says Megan Woods.
ENDS