New Zealand’s electricity system reached a major renewable milestone in the March 2026 quarter, with renewables generating 94.5% of all electricity, according to the latest Energy Quarterly data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
This marks a significant increase from 83.2% in the same period a year earlier and represents the highest share of renewable electricity recorded for a March quarter since 1980. It is also the second consecutive quarter in which renewables accounted for more than 90% of national electricity generation.
The rise was driven by a combination of strong hydro inflows, increased wind generation, and a substantial increase in solar power output. Solar generation alone rose by 50% year-on-year, reaching a record 373 GWh, supported by new capacity additions and favourable seasonal conditions.
New large-scale solar projects contributed to this growth, including developments such as Pāmu Rā ki Whitianga and Te Herenga o Te Rā near Ōpōtiki. These installations, alongside strong summer sunlight, helped accelerate the expansion of solar energy in the national mix.
At the same time, fossil fuel-based generation declined sharply. Gas and coal generation fell by 67% and 66% respectively compared with the previous year. Coal-fired generation dropped particularly significantly due to high renewable availability and scheduled maintenance outages at the Huntly power station.
Despite a modest 1.9% increase in total electricity generation, the overall energy mix continued to shift away from fossil fuels. Officials noted that declining domestic gas production and global market uncertainty are continuing to influence energy pricing and supply conditions.
Fuel imports remained stable even amid international shipping disruptions earlier in the year, reflecting resilience in supply chains. However, broader energy system conditions continue to be influenced heavily by weather patterns, with rainfall and wind playing a major role in boosting hydro and wind output.
Overall, the data highlights a rapidly evolving electricity system in New Zealand, where renewable sources are becoming increasingly dominant and fossil fuel dependence continues to decline.
