Renewables power more than 94% of New Zealand electricity as solar generation hits record

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Strong hydro inflows, wind generation and a 50% rise in solar output helped drive the highest March-quarter renewable share in decades (file photo).

Renewable electricity sources generated 94.5% of New Zealand’s electricity during the March 2026 quarter, with record solar generation helping drive the highest renewable share for a March quarter since 1980.

New figures released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on Thursday show renewable generation increased significantly from 83.2% in the same quarter last year.

MBIE Domains Manager Amapola Generosa said a combination of favourable weather conditions and growing renewable capacity contributed to the result.

“A favourable mix of strong hydro inflows, increased wind output, and a 50% year-on-year increase in solar generation helped keep renewable electricity generation high this quarter,” Generosa said.

“This marks two quarters in a row where renewables have generated over 90% of New Zealand’s electricity, and the highest share for a March quarter since 1980.”

Solar generation reached a record 373 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during the quarter, reflecting continued investment in new solar capacity and favourable summer conditions.

“Record solar generation of 373 GWh reflects rapid growth in new capacity, including large-scale solar farms such as Pāmu Rā ki Whitianga, and Te Herenga o Te Rā near Ōpōtiki, alongside strong summer solar conditions,” Generosa said.

Overall electricity generation increased 1.9% compared with the March 2025 quarter, but fossil fuel generation fell sharply.

According to MBIE, gas-fired generation declined 67% year-on-year, while coal-fired generation dropped 66%.

“Coal-fired electricity generation dropped significantly due to high renewable availability and planned outages at Huntly,” Generosa said.

The report also highlights ongoing pressure in New Zealand’s wider energy system.

“Declining domestic gas production and ongoing global uncertainty continue to influence prices and supply across the wider energy system,” Generosa said.

Despite disruption to international shipping routes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early March, fuel imports remained stable throughout the quarter.

“Fuel imports remained stable despite disruption to global shipping routes following the early March closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Generosa said.

Generosa said the quarterly results demonstrated the continued influence of weather conditions on electricity generation.

“Overall, the results reflect the strong impact of weather on New Zealand’s electricity system, with high rainfall and wind conditions driving increased renewable generation.”

MBIE said full Energy Quarterly results, including data and graphs, are available on its website. The next quarterly results are scheduled to be released on September 10, 2026.