March 2023 quarter renewable electricity share at 27-year high

The latest New Zealand Energy Quarterly, covering January to March 2023, provides quarterly data and analysis on energy supply, demand, prices, and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite lower than usual inflows at several South Island hydro catchments, national hydro generation rose 7.4% from the previous March quarter.

“The high renewable share for March was driven by favourable hydrological conditions in the North Island, with wind generation also playing a role,” says Mike Hayward, Manager, Markets in the Digital, Data & Insights group, MBIE.

“Coal and gas-based generation were both down when compared to March 2022, 61.1%, and 17.1% respectively. Coal imports also fell 73% over the same period,” Mike Hayward said.   

The impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on the forestry sector saw lower wood processing activity, driving a 4.1% reduction in industrial electricity consumption. Electricity consumption overall was down 1% from the March quarter 2022.

For more insights, visit the Energy Quarterly webpage.

New Zealand Energy Quarterly