The dry year problem
Today 11:00am
One of the most pressing problems confronting New Zealand’s electricity system is the “dry-year challenge” – the risk that low hydro inflows coincide with falling domestic gas supply, leaving the system without enough firm capacity to keep prices stable.
Story copyright © Carbon News 2025
Solar farm gets fast-track treatment
Mon 6 Oct 2025
Lodestone Energy’s proposed 220 MW solar farm at Haldon Station in the Mackenzie Basin has become the first solar project to be referred to an expert panel under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
Electricity to remain in ETS
Wed 1 Oct 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The Government has rejected Frontier Economics' recommendation that electricity should be removed from the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Decision due on electricity market reforms
30 Sep 2025
The Government is set to release electricity market reforms, though many are likely to be disappointed at the outcome.
Govt opens all of NZ for new oil and gas exploration
26 Sep 2025
By Liz Kivi | Fossil fuel companies can once again apply for new prospecting and exploration permits beyond onshore Taranaki for the first time since the previous government’s 2018 ban, in a move welcomed by the sector but slammed by environmental groups.
EV batteries could power NZ's grid – study
25 Sep 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | EV batteries could ease peak demand by exporting power back to homes and the grid, with large potential cost savings for EV owners and electricity consumers, according to a new study.
More Kiwi households turn to solar as energy costs mount
24 Sep 2025
Rising power prices are driving more households to consider switching to solar, with nearly half of New Zealanders considering installing solar panels or already having them installed, according to new research.
UPDATE: EECA opens $4 million solar fund for farms
24 Sep 2025
Farmers are being offered new support to bring solar and battery systems onto their properties, with EECA opening a Solar on Farms Demonstration Fund worth up to $200,000 per site.
Genesis inks coal deal for domestic supply at Huntly
23 Sep 2025
Genesis Energy will increase domestic coal supplies for Huntly Power Station under a new deal with BT Mining.
Solar households to get little-noticed tax break
23 Sep 2025
A provision in the government’s latest tax bill would exempt households from paying tax on income they earn by selling excess electricity back to the grid.
