Govt’s first post-ban offshore exploration permit draws backlash
Thu 30 Jul 2026
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.
Story copyright © Carbon News 2026
Batteries and flexible electricity use could save NZ $20b by 2050
Today 12:15pm
By Oli Lewis | Rapid expansion of batteries and flexible electricity use could save energy users between $5.4 billion and $20.8b through to 2050, new modelling suggests.
Govt launches loan scheme to help businesses transition from gas
Today 12:15pm
Businesses looking to reduce their reliance on natural gas can now apply for government-backed loans under a new scheme designed to help fund energy transition projects, with the Crown guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible loans and unlocking an estimated $1.2 billion in lending.
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.
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
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
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.
