Renewables constitute 80% of power generation in New Zealand in 2014
In 2014, 79.9% of the power in New Zealand came from renewable energy sources—representing the highest annual share of electricity generated from renewables in 20 years.
The data was released this month by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and is particuarly significant as the world gears up to hash out a global agreement on climate change in Paris this December.
The island nation has seen a steady uptick in renewable generation. In 2013, 75.1% of energy in New Zealand came from renewable sources and the percentage of renewable sources in the country’s energy mix has been increasing since 2009.
Geothermal power increased the most from the years 2013 to 2014. Indeed, in 2014 6,847 GWh were generated from geothermal power projects and geothermal overtook natural gas-based power generation for the first time in 40 years.
On the other hand, however, fossil fuel based power declined by a significant 18.4% between 2013 and 2014.
While other countries such as Germany are making big strides in the shift away from fossil fuels, New Zealand’s impressive steps are unique and marked.
In the first quarter of 2014, renewable sources met a record 27% of energy demand in Germany.
Germany had previously stated that it would use 80% renewables by 2050.
However, New Zealand has asserted that it will generate an impressive 90% of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.
