NZ has high level of renewable energy

Nearly three quarters of New Zealand's electricity was generated from renewable sources in March, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Total electricity generation in the March quarter was the lowest since the June 2003 quarter because of reduced consumption by the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter and lower demand generally during the economic downturn.

Of total generation, 73 percent was from renewable sources -- the highest level for a March quarter since 2005.

The high level of electricity generation from renewable sources was put down to the increased use of geothermal and wind generation. For the third consecutive quarter geothermal generation topped 1000GWh.

If current levels continue, this form of generation will meet over 10 percent of annual electricity supply for the first time on record this year.

Electricity generation from coal in the March quarter fell from near record highs in the June quarter of 2008. Generally in New Zealand more electricity is generated from thermal, or coal fired plants, in the winter.

The use of renewable forms of energy for electricity production helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the March quarter electricity generation produced a total of 1316kW of carbon dioxide equivalent emission, which was down 31 percent on the same quarter last year and the lowest level since the March quarter of 2004.

Coal production was up 25 percent on the December 2008 quarter and coal exports rose 21 percent on the same basis of comparison. The ministry notes that coal production and exports will rise when the Pike River Coal mine ramps up to full production at year-end.

Commenting on the gas industry, the ministry said the flaring of gas was significantly above historic levels because of ongoing flaring at the Tui field.

Still, gas production returned to more normal levels in the March 2009 quarter,

Oil production has dropped from record levels because of reduced production at Tui, which produced a third less oil in the March quarter than it produced in the September 2008 quarter.

The ministry has calculated oil product consumption for the first time and estimates that production of regular petrol in the March quarter was down 3 percent on the December 2008 quarter.

NZPA