Coal use for electricity generation increases 150%

The Huntly coal stockpile kept the lights on last winter. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Thu, 12 Dec 2024

Extreme electricity market conditions last winter resulted in a 150% increase in coal to power generation, the latest energy data says.The Energy Quarterly data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for July to September showed the difference weather conditions can make to energy generation.Low hydro lake levels combined with a gas shortage sent wholesale electricity prices to record sustained levels of above $800 a megawatt hour for a period in August. Companies that were exposed to these prices blamed them for closur...

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