A Radio Waatea News Feature
Radio Waatea receives a high volume of feedback and whakaaro from whānau across our social media platforms every day. These comments often reflect shared concerns, common questions, and recurring themes on important kaupapa affecting our communities. As part of our commitment to informing and empowering our listeners, we actively look for patterns in these conversations-identifying when multiple people are asking similar questions or expressing the same uncertainties. From there, we work to develop clear, accessible “explainer” articles that help break down complex issues. Our goal is to provide trusted, easy-to-understand information that supports whānau to make sense of what’s happening around them. We strongly encourage everyone to seek information from credible and reliable sources. In producing our explainers, Radio Waatea draws on a range of inputs, including insights from university researchers, subject matter experts, and recognised knowledge holders. We also use modern tools-such as data analysis and AI technologies-to help gather, cross-check, and synthesise information. By combining these approaches, we aim to ensure our content is accurate, balanced, and useful-reflecting both the voices of our audience and the best information available.
New Zealand’s electricity system continues to stand out globally for its strong reliance on renewable energy, with between 85% and 88% of the country’s electricity generated from renewable sources as of 2024. This positions Aotearoa among the world’s clean energy leaders, though fossil fuels still play a critical supporting role in maintaining reliability during periods of high demand or low renewable output.
At the heart of New Zealand’s electricity supply is hydroelectric power, which remains the single largest contributor. Hydropower typically accounts for around 55% to 60% of total annual generation, drawing on an extensive network of dams and lakes, particularly across the South Island. This source provides not only large-scale generation but also flexibility, allowing operators to adjust output depending on rainfall and storage levels.
The second major pillar is geothermal energy, contributing approximately 15% to 20% of electricity generation. Concentrated in the central North Island, geothermal plants provide a stable, continuous supply of power. Unlike hydro, geothermal is not weather-dependent, making it a crucial “baseload” renewable source that helps balance the system year-round.
Wind energy has emerged as one of the fastest-growing contributors to the national grid. Currently supplying about 5% to 7% of electricity, wind farms are expanding as technology improves and investment increases. While wind generation can fluctuate, it plays an increasingly important role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar power, although still a relatively small part of the overall mix, is growing rapidly. The rise of rooftop solar installations and small-scale generation is changing how electricity is produced and consumed, especially at the household and community level. While its contribution remains modest, solar is expected to expand significantly in the coming years.
Despite this strong renewable base, thermal generation-primarily natural gas and some coal-still accounts for roughly 12% to 15% of electricity supply. These fossil fuel plants are not used continuously but instead act as “peaker” or backup generators, stepping in during dry years when hydro lake levels are low, or when demand spikes beyond what renewables can meet.
Energy experts say this combination of renewables supported by flexible thermal generation is key to maintaining grid stability and energy security. However, the government has set ambitious targets to move toward 100% renewable electricity, prompting increased investment in wind, solar, and battery storage technologies.
As New Zealand navigates this transition, the challenge remains balancing sustainability with reliability-ensuring that the lights stay on while continuing to reduce emissions.
For now, the country’s electricity system reflects a pragmatic approach: clean, largely renewable, but still supported by strategic fossil fuel use when needed.
