Renewable generation surges as solar shines

The latest Energy Quarterly data release from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) shows renewables generated 94.5% of all electricity in the March 2026 quarter, up from 83.2% in the same quarter last year.

Despite a 1.9% increase in net generation compared with the same quarter last year, fossil fuel generation fell sharply, with gas and coal generation down 67% and 66% respectively.

Coal-fired electricity generation dropped significantly due to high renewable availability and planned outages at Huntly.

Declining domestic gas production and ongoing global uncertainty continue to influence prices and supply across the wider energy system.