Renewable electricity generation hits 99% for the first time

Full hydro dams and strong winds send renewable electricity generation to new highs. (Image: Getty)

Wed, 16 Nov 2022

The electricity system broke a record last Friday, reaching 99% renewable generation for the first time.Transpower said in its weekly briefing note that full hydro lakes, strong winds and thermal generation being out for maintenance meant renewable generation broke several records last week. Weekly, daily and real-time percentages of renewables in the generation mix were the highest they've been in at least the past four years, reaching 99% on Friday morning.This is the first time NZ has ever reached this milestone.For four consecutive...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets

Employment data dominates quiet day on NZ sharemarket

The NZ sharemarket was down with no real trend driving the change.

Tom Raynel 05 Nov 2025

Economy

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit

Fulton Hogan paid a total dividend of $180.4m for 2025.

Duncan Bridgeman 05 Nov 2025

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit

Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Burning some coal to enable more renewable power "not a bad deal".

Pattrick Smellie 05 Nov 2025

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Sponsored

Health insurance proving a valuable negotiating tool for Kiwi businesses

More employers see health insurance as key to staff wellbeing.

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Move-in ready offices: How business are rethinking workspace

Businesses want agility – and office space is evolving fast

Sponsored by Precinct Properties

More Energy

Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Burning some coal to enable more renewable power "not a bad deal".

Pattrick Smellie 05 Nov 2025

News in Brief

Genesis gets fast-track greenlight for Tekapo power scheme

Genesis Energy has received fast-track approval to continue operating and maintaining the Tekapo hydro power scheme.It lodged the fast-track application in April 2025 for the scheme, which includes Tekapo A and B power stations and substations, and the canal system. Genesis has o...

Staff reporters 03 Nov 2025