Phone: 021 742 245

Renewable energy comes from sources that are replenished as fast as they are used. Examples include energy from the sun (solar), wind, moving water, and plants such as pine forests, which supply firewood. This energy is harnessed to drive generators that produce electric power.

Phone: 021 742 245

Wind and solar energy are sustainable, clean sources of energy that have the potential to make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy. We are rich in renewable energy resources and, more than other developed countries, already meets much of its energy needs by harnessing the power stored in rivers.

Phone: 021 742 245

Nearly a third of the total energy consumed – including electricity, heat and transport fuels – comes from renewable sources. About 70% of all electricity is generated by renewable energy.

Phone: 021 742 245

Wind generation is making an increasingly significant contribution, although it still forms less than 1% of annual energy production. Solar energy is not yet extensively used. Less than 2% of homes had a solar water-heater in 2004, but interest is growing.

Phone: 021 742 245

In the future, emerging renewable technologies such as harnessing the ocean’s waves and currents are expected to become more economic. Ocean waves are produced by wind. The powerful ocean swells reaching the coast carry energy that could be used for electricity production.

Phone: 021 742 245

Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have determined that the western coast of New Zealand has the best prospect for small-to-medium scale generation