Solar and geothermal generation at record highs

MBIE’s 2026 Energy in New Zealand report shows a 66% increase in solar generation over the past year to a new record, with several large utility-scale solar farms coming online.

Geothermal generation also hit a record high in 2025. Solar generation is expected to continue increasing over the next few years, with many grid-connected solar plants currently under construction or in planning.

While New Zealand’s total energy supply decreased in 2025, mainly due to reduced coal and gas production, the share of energy supply from renewable sources reached a new record high of 47.7%. Renewables’ contribution to overall energy supply has been growing since 2020.

In 2025, 88.5% of electricity was generated from renewable sources.

Energy consumption from renewable sources increased to a record 32% of total consumption. This reflected both an increase in renewable supply and lower industrial demand for energy, which is mainly met from non-renewable sources.

Coal consumption dropped to a new record low in 2025 and natural gas consumption fell to 2008 levels.

Energy in New Zealand is produced annually and provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy production and consumption over the previous 12 months.

Source: MBIE