Geothermal keeps renewable electricity generation high despite hydro dip

“New geothermal generation capacity at Tauhara and Te Huka helped generate a record 2,471 GWh this quarter, enough to power all households across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne regions for an entire year. This balanced a 6.8% drop in hydro generation, increasing overall renewable generation to 84.1%,” says Generosa.

“Renewable generation was also bolstered by a 17.6% increase in wind generation and a 48.7% increase in solar generation.

“Increased renewable generation and lower electricity demand in the quarter meant a reduced reliance on gas and coal generation, both down by 0.9% and 38.3%, respectively.

“Contributing to the reduced national electricity demand was lower electricity use by New Zealand Aluminium Smelters under its demand response agreement. Additionally residential electricity consumption was down 4% on the previous June quarter, which had seen increased electricity use by households in response to a cold snap in May 2024.

“Continuing its downwards trend, total gas use was down 19.8%, with the quarter seeing Methanex pausing operations at its Motunui facility for 8 weeks to free up gas for electricity generation,” Generosa says.

Full energy quarterly results, data, and graphs can be read on the MBIE website:

New Zealand Energy Quarterly

2025 Quarter 3 results will be announced on 11 December 2025.