Natural gas makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s energy mix and to the economy. It underpins electricity supply security, supports a substantial petrochemical manufacturing sector and is used by many export industries and over 266,000 consumers.

We’re responsible for advising the Government on energy efficiency policy for New Zealand and we are currently trialling a new renewable energy initiative that aims to improve energy affordability. EECA is responsible for implementing programmes to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes and business.

The Government has launched the electric vehicle charging strategy: 'Charging our future: National electric vehicle charging strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand'.

The Government consulted on a proposal to increase the use of sustainable liquid biofuels in New Zealand to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport. The discussion document, produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Transport, outlined a proposal to put in place a sustainable biofuels obligation.

At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response during this year’s North Island severe weather events will be fitted with solar and battery systems to boost community resilience, Government has announced today.

7 more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households.

The Government has amended the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) to provide flexibility in how the Government manages Crown-owned petroleum and minerals.

87% of electricity generated over 2022 came from renewable sources, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) annual report into the energy sector shows.

The NZ Battery Project was set up in 2020 to explore possible renewable energy storage solutions for when our hydro lakes run low for long periods. A pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow was one of the options being explored. The Government stopped the Lake Onslow investigations in late 2023. MBIE is continuing work on the question of security of supply during extended periods of low hydro inflows as part of its wider electricity system work programme. The following documents were produced as part of the NZ Battery Project.