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Energy supply

Because energy is such an essential part of almost all our activities, a secure, sustainable and affordable supply is vital to ensuring New Zealand’s continued economic and social well-being.

We meet our energy needs through a wide range of sources, both renewable (hydro, geothermal, wood, wind, biogas and solar) and non-renewable (fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal). Around two-thirds of our energy supply is non-renewable, and a growing proportion of our electricity is generated from non-renewable sources.

In order to report on energy supply, the following are measured:

Did you know?

  • In 2007, the production and use of energy accounted for 44 per cent of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The eight wind farms operating in New Zealand in 2008 supplied about 2.5 per cent of New Zealand's electricity, about the same amount of electricity that 145,000 homes use in a year.

This information has come from the Energy supply and demand environmental report card.

Last updated: December 2007