10. LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
What recent reports has she received on levels of renewable electricity generation?
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources) Link to this
The New Zealand Energy Quarterly released by the Ministry of Economic Development last month showed that renewable electricity generation made up 79 percent of all electricity generated in the March 2011 quarter. The last time that New Zealand generated that amount of electricity from renewable resources was in 1996, also under a National Government.
The Government is aiming for 90 percent of electricity generation to come from renewable energy sources by 2025. This is because we are blessed with abundant natural resources, and the development of these resources reduces our reliance on thermal electricity generation sources and reduces our electricity generation emissions. The target reflects our commitment to transitioning over time to a low carbon economy.