Big jump in NZ renewable energy generation

Wind energy now accounts for 3 per cent of New Zealand's electricity generation

New geothermal plants, more windfarms and normal hydro lake levels have seen a big jump in renewable electricity generation, Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee said today.

Brownlee released statistics up to the end of last year which showed that in December 74 per cent of electricity was being supplied from renewable sources compared with the winter power crisis in the June quarter when renewable generation was down to 56 per cent.

"This is a very positive level in renewable electricity generation after a very dry autumn and winter last year, although it still doesn't mean we can rule out thermal generation being an insurance card in dry years," he said.

"However, it is pleasing to see the opening of the Kawerau geothermal power station last year making geothermal sources a bigger contributor to renewable generation."

Brownlee said the figures also showed a drop in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation for the December quarter, reflecting the reduced use of gas and coal generation as the hydro lakes recovered.

Key facts from the statistics:

* 74 per cent of electricity supplied from renewable sources, the highest quarterly level of renewable sources in five years;

* Geothermal generation contributed 11 per cent in the December quarter;

* Windfarms set a new quarterly record of 304 gigawatt hours, providing 3 per cent of generation; and

* Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation were 14 per cent down compared with the previous December quarter, the lowest quarterly emissions since the March quarter in 2005.

- NZPA