New Zealand: Geothermal Energy Helps to Increase Renewable Share of generation

New Zealand Energy Quarterly (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Despite the increase in coal-fired generation, the overall renewable share of generation rose from 81.9 per cent in the December 2017 quarter to 84.5 per cent in the December 2018. This was largely as a result of higher geothermal generation. In 2018 geothermal energy generated 7,377 GWh of electricity.

Geothermal generation has, for a long time, been an integral part of New Zealand’s electricity landscape. It began over 55 years ago with the opening of the Wairakei power station in November 1958. Most of New Zealand’s installed capacity is situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Geothermal generation is around 15% of New Zealand’s electricity generation. Energy Quarterly: 2018 Q4 report [PDF, 82 KB]

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