Driving investment in new energy projects

MBIE ran a Request for Information (RFI) in October 2025 seeking information on how the government’s purchasing power could support new energy investment.

After gaining insights from the RFI, the Government is pursuing possible long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) across the public service, starting with the 3 largest energy users: Health New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Department of Corrections. MBIE will now work with these agencies on potential long-term PPAs to begin when their existing contracts expire.

This work is a key action in the Government’s Energy Package announced in October 2025. The intention is to increase investment certainty in new generation by locking in long-term supply.

All technologies that can deliver reliable, affordable power at scale are on the table, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, woody biomass, hydrogen and battery storage.

MBIE is holding a market information event for potential suppliers on 25 March 2026, outlining relevant information on these agencies’ electricity needs.

If interested, email:

energyprocurement@mbie.govt.nz

Feasibility study around solar procurement underway

Solar also has a key role in supporting energy security. MBIE has been asked to complete a feasibility study on establishing a streamlined procurement model to accelerate the rollout of commercially viable solar across government properties.

The solar feasibility study will determine if there is sufficient demand, efficiency and cost savings to support establishing a centralised procurement framework for agencies looking to install solar generation on government properties.

MBIE will report back to Ministers on the solar feasibility study by the end of May 2026. If viable, a Request for Proposals will be issued soon after, moving quickly from study to implementation so projects can begin delivering additional generation and cost relief as soon as possible.

Read the Minister’s press release:

Driving investment in new energy projects(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz