New Zealand:

Geothermal Powers Ahead of Gas (New Zealand Herald)

Big breakthrough for renewable generation as sector makes progress toward 2025 target.

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Geothermal has pipped gas generation in New Zealand for the first time as more plants come on stream. Electricity Authority figures show for the year ended October 30 geothermal generation accounted for 16.3 per cent of the total and gas 15.8 per cent. The percentage of renewable generation had grown from 65 per cent in 2008 to 79 per cent in the year to June.

Mighty River Power generates around 55 per cent of geothermal power. Its chief executive Fraser Whineray said the rise of geothermal from fourth to second was significant for the country.

"It's a great achievement for New Zealand to see hydro and geothermal at the front of the grid for the first time," he said.

"Geothermal is the only true baseload renewable energy so a country not capitalizing on it would be mad." said Contact Energy Chief executive Dennis Barnes.

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