Renewables hit record high

WELLINGTON: Strong hydro and wind generation saw 85% of the country’s electricity produced from renewables in the June quarter, according to government data.

That is the highest share for that period — when winter demand usually increases demand for coaland gasfired generation — in 37 years, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says.

Total generation increased to 11,046 gigawatthours — 1.6% more than a year earlier. Hydro generation increased to 6843GWh, the most since the September quarter of 2016. It was almost 13% more than the June quarter last year when South Island lake levels were low.

Wind generation rose to 560GWh, the most since the first quarter of 2017 and almost 12% more than a year earlier.

New Zealand has a target to achieve 90% renewable power generation by 2025. The Labourled coalition has suggested going to 100% renewable — in a year of normal hydrology — by 2035.

The interim climate change committee is testing the feasibility of that as a goal, given the variability of the hydro generation the country depends on and an expected increase in equally variable wind production.

Generation in 2016 was almost 85% renewable — the biggest share since 1981. Renewables fell below 73% in the dry year of 2012 and below 66% in the dry year of 2008.

Other data published by the ministry yesterday shows net gas production fell to a sevenyear low of 36 petajoules. Output fell 17% from the June quarter last year due to reduced production from the offshore Pohokura field, the country’s biggest gas producer.

The field — owned by Shell, OMV and Todd Energy — last year accounted for almost 40% of the country’s gas production.

Production from the platform was cut in late March while the partners inspected the line delivering gas and condensate to shore for possible leaks. Output from the offshore wells resumed in July. — BusinessDesk