Meridian gets green light for Waikato solar farm
Wed 29 Jul 2026
Meridian Energy has secured resource consent for a 110MW solar farm near Morrinsville, paving the way for a project capable of generating enough electricity to power more than 25,000 homes a year.
Story copyright © Carbon News 2026
Govt’s first post-ban offshore exploration permit draws backlash
Today 11:30am
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has approved the first offshore petroleum exploration permit since repealing the 2018 ban. But lawyers say the decision raises 'serious' legal questions, as seemingly at odds with guidance from the country's highest court.
Greens want one-year pause on AI datacentres
Tue 28 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Datacentre opponents have welcomed the Greens' call to press pause on new operations, while others say the energy-hungry facilities will bring jobs to the regions.
Gentailers and Entrust split over dry-year obligations
Tue 28 Jul 2026
The country’s major electricity generator-retailers have rejected the Government’s proposed winter reliability obligations, warning they could lift average wholesale electricity costs by as much as $50/MWh while doing little to encourage new generation.
Contact: New biodiversity goal may be 'highly problematic' for renewable projects
Fri 24 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The goal of no net loss of indigenous biodiversity in the new resource management system may be highly problematic for renewable energy developments, Contact Energy says.
Biomass can free-up electrons to perform higher value roles – with multiple other benefits
Fri 24 Jul 2026
By Rob Mallinson | OPINION: New Zealand’s energy debate too often treats electricity as the universal solution.
Businesses told to plan ahead as energy risks mount
23 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Switching to electricity and improving energy efficiency are becoming increasingly attractive investments in the face of rising costs – and companies can no longer afford a "business as usual" attitude to energy, according to a new report.
Only Genesis can invest in Huntly, Treasury told ministers
23 Jul 2026
Treasury backed Crown investment in Genesis Energy because only Genesis could invest in Huntly Power Station, but argued the company had no special claim on building more renewable generation.
Green Party takes ‘electric election’ up a notch
21 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Green Party is promising to cut power bills and establish a publicly owned company, ‘Kiwipower,’ to deliver affordable renewable energy.
SEANZ urges Govt not to sign contract for LNG before the election
21 Jul 2026
The Smart Energy Alliance has penned an open letter to the Government urging ministers not to sign a binding agreement for an LNG import facility before November’s election.
