New Zealand is one of the world’s most beautiful as well as peaceful countries. The country is also known as an island country because it consists of two main landmasses; the North Island and the South Island. Plus, let’s not forget to mention it’s other more than 700 smaller islands. But the question remains, how evolved New Zealand is when it comes to renewable energy. Let’s see the top renewable energy companies in New Zealand.

When calculated, New Zealand’s 40% of primary energy comes from renewable energy sources in 2018. Likewise, 80 percent of electricity comes from renewable energy sources in New Zealand. In this number, hydropower covers 70 percent while geothermal power covers the remaining 10 percent of electricity generation.

Image from Energy Mix

However, to take the electricity generation from renewable sources to 100 percent, the Government of New Zealand plans to add electricity generation from biomass resources. Furthermore, the country is rich in geothermal energy resources because it consists of many volcanic areas. Similarly, the country is taking necessary steps towards carbon neutrality by 2050. This is under the 2019 Zero-Carbon Bill as well as a broadened NZ emissions Trading Scheme.

Furthermore, different studies from experts have shown that it is technically feasible to provide 100% of electricity demand from renewable energy sources only. This is without any risk of shortages in energy supply.

Source | Government of New Zeland

What are the major Renewable Energy Sources in New Zealand?

The country practices utilizing all forms of renewable energy sources. Therefore, this includes Wind energy sources, Solar energy sources, bioenergy sources, hydropower sources as well as geothermal sources. However, the country utilizes Hydropower and Geothermal sources the most because it is more widely found in the country than any other renewable energy source.

Image Source | IEA.org

As per an annual report from the Government of New Zealand, the total energy transformation of the country was 293.48. Out of this, Electricity Generation accounted for 286.44. Talking about electricity generation, hydro and geothermal accounted for the largest numbers than other renewable energy sources. Hydro Accounted for 94.64, Geothermal accounted for 181.90, Wind accounted for 7.44, Biogas accounted for 2.46 and Solar accounted for 0.36. 

However, the country still uses Coal and Natural Gas sources to fulfill the remaining energy demand. After calculating the available energy sources in New Zealand and their contribution to the generation of electricity, the number shown below is the answer. 
 

Also Read: Top 15 Renewable Energy Companies in Denmark

Looking at the numbers, it’s no surprise that Hydroelectric power stations provide more than half of New Zealand’s electricity. It shares a 61% share though. Wind shares 5%, Solar shares 0.02%, and  Geothermal shares 17%. Nonetheless, along with the help of top renewable energy companies in New Zealand, all are working together to uplift the number of all renewable energy sources.

Source | Government of New Zealand’s Report

 

List of Top Renewable Energy Companies in New Zealand

Well, in development and to achieve the aim of New Zealand in the Sustainable future, renewable energy companies in New Zealand have been playing a vital role. From generating hydropower to geothermal, wind, and solar, renewable energy companies in New Zealand have done it all. Nonetheless, all New Zealand wind farms are installed as well as all wind energy in New Zealand is generated by renewable energy companies.

With that being said, let’s look at the Top 15 Renewable Energy Companies in New Zealand that have helped the nation to this date.

1. New Zealand Wind Energy Association

New Zealand wind energy Association or else also known as NZWEA in short was founded in 1997. Currently, it employs around 2-10 employees and is headquartered in the capital city of the nation, Wellington, New Zealand.

This company is a membership-based industry association and promotes the development of wind energy to the fullest. Furthermore, the industry fairly represents wind energy to the public, government as well as other various energy sectors. They focus on utility-scale wind generation, thus generally over 100 kilowatts. 

The company’s main mission is to promote the uptake of its nation’s abundant wind energy resources. Likewise, their vision is that wind energy is the most favored form of generating electricity that can provide 20% of New Zealand’s electricity needs by 2035. Similarly, they work hard to ensure that the country’s world-class wind energy is utilized in a responsible as well as sustainable manner, not for only this generation but for many generations to come.

Nevertheless, the company has 40 companies as their members and every company is involved in the nation's wind energy sector. These 40 companies range from many sectors such as electricity generators, wind farm developers, lines companies, turbine manufacturers, consulting firms, researchers as well as law firms. Nonetheless, the company claims to have a wide gamut of expertise united by passion towards wind energy across three categories of membership; corporate, associate as well as individual.

NZWEA always welcomes applications from organizations as well as individuals who are involved in the wind energy sector. Not forget to mention those who want to support renewable energy development to ensure a sustainable future for New Zealand.

• Founded: 1997
• Headquarter: Wellington, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 2-10 employees 
• Sector: Wind energy
• Specialties: Promoting wind energy to public, government, and energy sectors, industry development, as well as Business development
• Significant feats: their member include over 40 companies
• Websites: WindEnergy.org.nz

 

2. Mercury Energy

Mercury Energy was established on the 1st of April, 1999, and currently employs around 800 employees. The company claims to generate electricity from 100 percent renewable sources. These renewable sources include hydro, geothermal and wind are soon to be added and with help of their customers, they also harness solar energy.

The company provides 100% renewable electricity to both houses and industries. Whether it’s for your EV or for small and medium business or commercial and industrial business, the company covers it all. Furthermore, the company offers 100% renewable electricity at the most competitive rate.

Mercury Energy exports and sells their renewable electricity via their retail brands; Mercy as well as GLOBUG. Likewise, the company is also listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange as well as the Australian Stock Exchange. Similarly, the Government of New Zealand holds a legislated 51% shareholding in the company.

Currently, Mercury Energy has 9 hydro stations on the Waikato river as well as their solar farm, and R+D Center sits on the site of the former gas-fired Southdown power station. Furthermore, the company started to build their first wind farm at Turitea and has 5 geothermal stations across the central North Island.

Nonetheless, the company is committed to a more sustainable future by promoting and using 100% renewable electricity. Moreover, Mercury is helping New Zealand move to a low-emissions future by investing in low carbon electricity generation. The company’s vision is to make EV the new normal by 2030 and fight against climate change in various ways possible. Last but not least, the company is also working towards Water Management.

• Founded: 1st April 1999
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 800 employees
• Sector: Renewable energy
• Specialties: Generating renewable energy 
• Significant feats: Generates electricity from 100 percent renewable sources, has 9 hydro stations on the Waikato river as well as their solar farm and R+D Center sits on the site of the former gas-fired Southdown power station, started to build their first wind farm at Turitea and has 5 geothermal stations across the central North Island
• Websites: Mercury.co.nz

 

3. Bioenergy Association of New Zealand  

Bioenergy Association of New Zealand sees its members based in New Zealand. The company provides assistance as well as a wealth of bioenergy information to support members' business. They also promote their member's expertise and capabilities regarding bioenergy solutions. 

The company’s vision is to grow economically and build employment in New Zealand capability as well as expertise in forestry, wood processing, and bioenergy generation from waste. They also believe by 2050, they could double the bioenergy energy supply up to 27 percent of New Zealand's needs whilst gaining 15Percent reduction in greenhouse emissions.

Likewise, the company’s main mission is to support its members to help them build a successful business based on bioenergy and biofuels. Similarly, they plan to encourage the use of New Zealand's abundant biomass resources and provide renewable energy in all sectors and forms. 

Nonetheless, the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand also works to promote the environmental benefits of bioenergy mainly including greenhouse gas mitigation as well as waste avoidance. Furthermore, the company facilities and implements commercial bioenergy projects that contribute to business resilience as well as regional economic benefits.

• Headquarter: Wellington, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 5-10 employees
• Sector: Bioenergy
• Specialties: Promoting the use of Bioenergy and its advantages
• Significant feats: Partnered with EnergyEfficiency and Conservation Authority and has 12 companies as affiliates under its wing
• Websites: Bioenergy.Org.nz

 

4. Meridian Energy

Next on our list of top renewable energy companies in New Zealand comes Meridian Energy. Meridian Energy is a renewable energy generating company as well as a retailer established on 16 December 1998 in the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. The company believes they are doing the right thing to build a better future for everyone including communities and the environment.

All the electricity that Meridian Energy generates comes from 100% renewable sources; wind, water, and sun. However, the company supplies electricity from an electricity grid that mixes electricity from both renewable as well as non-renewable sources. The company is listed on both the NZX and ASC and is one of the country's largest listed companies. 

Currently, Meridian energy generates its electricity from its own two wind farms, seven hydropower stations, and commercial solar arrays. Not just in New Zealand, but the company also has two wind farms and three hydropower stations in Australia. Meridian Energy is a part of Meridian Group that sells electricity through three bands; Meridian energy, Powershop New Zealand, and Powershop Australia.

Furthermore, the company has an energy retailing software company named Flux Federation that operates in New Australia, United Kingdom, and Australia. Similarly, they also own DamSaftey Intelligence that works regarding safe management of dams and other water infrastructure. The company is still driven by its proposal of clean energy for a fairer as well as healthier world.

• Founded: 16 December 1998
• Headquarter: Wellington, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 1000 employees
• Sector: Renewable energy 
• Specialties: Generating 100 percent renewable energy
• Significant feats: Owns two wind farms, seven hydropower stations, and commercial solar arrays
• Websites: Meridianenergy.co.nz

 

5. ZEN Energy Systems

Zen Energy Systems has been dedicated to providing individuals as well as organizations with perfectly engineered solutions for three generations now. Moreover, the company first started with a whiteware store in 1947 and later grew to be a specialist in commercial refrigeration, air conditioning as well as mechanical services, and solar water heating business.

However, in 2010, the company took a step forward and put its decades of inspiration into the solar energy market. The company then launched Zen Energy Systems as a separate business in New Zealand in April 2014. Till this date, the company puts its maximum effort to push its boundaries and tries to show the potential of solar energy and energy storage to individuals as well as organizations. 

Zen Energy Systems believes that solar energy and energy storage will completely transform how everything in this world works via electricity. Plus, it is the most cost-effective electricity solution that has ever existed. Furthermore, the company provides specialized plans for both residential and commercial use.

For commercial use, the company overall designs everything thus saving more power, more tax decrease, and other benefits. As for residential use, the company provides a wide range of solar products from the most robust companies in the business that drives the perfect solution. Likewise, the company provides the most comprehensive range of solar products that suits everyone's needs. Zen grid-tied, Zen Hybrid, Zen hybrid + Backup are some of companies finest solar products.

• Founded: 2014
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 1-10 employees 
• Sector: Solar energy
• Specialties: Solar products; Zen grid-tied, Zen Hybrid, Zen hybrid + Backup
• Significant feats: Partnered with giant companies like Huawei, Redback technologies, Longi Solar, Goodwe, Pylontech and Smappee.
• Websites: ZenEnergy.co.nz

Also Read: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)- An Overview

6. AZwood Energy

Next but first to deal with wood energy in our list of top renewable energy companies in New Zealand comes AZwood Energy. AZwood Energy has been in the business for 40 years and was established in 1981. The company provides world-class, innovative, end-to-end wood energy heating solutions as well as are recognized as the most progressive, knowledgeable, and capable wood energy solution provider in the country.

Likewise, the company has set standards that make everyone think they are the only supplier that produces all range of specified wood fuels in New Zealand. Furthermore, it is fully accredited as well as endorsed by the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand. Moreover, it ships carbon-neutral, sustainable products throughout the country.

Azwood Energy works to help the country transit to a lower carbon future by supplying comparative carbon neutral wood fuel replacing fossil fuels. The company’s main products are biomass hog fuel, wood energy chip as well as wood pellet fuel. They use their technical knowledge as well as experience and ensure all wood fuels projects they undertook go successful. 

Similarly, the company’s vision is to provide world-class, innovative, end-to-end wood energy heating solutions. Also, they want to be known as the most progressive and knowledgeable as well as capable wood energy solution provider in New Zealand. Nevertheless, the company moves about 1,000,000 cubic meters of raw as well as processed product each year. They believe every successful wood energy project helps New Zealand transition to a lower-carbon future and are committed to helping New Zealand, as well as business and organization, achieve their environmental targets.

• Founded: Around 1981
• Headquarter: Nelson, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 7-20 employees
• Sector: Carbon neutral Woodfuel
• Specialties: biomass hog fuel, wood energy chip as well as wood pellet fuel
• Significant feats: 100 Percent Carbon Neutral Accredited, Country’s largest wood energy in-house customer support team
• Websites: Azwood.co.nz

 

7. NZ Solar Ltd

Featuring next in our list of top renewable companies in New Zealand is NZ Solar Ltd which is New Zealand’s one of the major solar energy specialists. The company has a desire to provide the best possible value solar systems as well as service to its clients. 

NZ Solar evolved during a comprehensive search worldwide of available solar technology. The search consisted of lots of travel, evaluation as well as relation-building with credible local and international suppliers. Now the company offers solar solutions for commercial buildings, has rooftop mount solar solutions, solar hot water for the dairy industry, solar hot water heating in winter, and solar roof panels.

NZ Solar Ltd was founded by Chris Inglis in 2004. The company was established whilst keeping two major things in mind; an Environmentally friendly approach to business as well as tackling growing costs of electricity. The company’s main vision is to utilize the free energy that the sun offers all day long. Therefore, the sun has made solar hot water heating units as well as photovoltaic systems more efficient than ever. Also, the use of solar power systems results in a vast decrease in the electricity bill.

Furthermore, NZ Solar guarantees its solar power products and offers the best at the most competitive price. Likewise, the company also offers both On-Grid Photovoltaic Solar Systems as well as Off-Grid Photovoltaic Solar Systems. Similarly, the company also offers Hot water Solutions for Dairy. 

• Founded: In 2004 by Chris Inglis
• Headquarter: Richmond, New Zealand 
• Number of employees: 22
• Sector: Solar Energy
• Specialties: Dairy Hot Water Solutions, Solar Hot Water Solutions, On-Grid Photovoltaic Solar System, Off-grid Photovoltaic Solar System
• Significant feats: Recognised as New Zealand’s one of the major Solar energy specialists
• Websites: NZSolar.co.nz

 

8. Powerhouse Wind

Powerhouse Wind is one of the top renewable energy companies in New Zealand when it comes down to wind energy. The company was officially established in 2007 and its headquarter is based in Otago, New Zealand. 

The company designs as well as creates innovative in-house-made products to tackle the issue of rising electricity demand via utilizing natural resources such as wind. The company believes wherever people want a supply of clean and sustainable energy, their products can help generate it. 

The company offers wind power solutions for both residential and commercial sectors. Powerhouse Wind’s elegant and robust Thinair Turbine takes an approach to wind power electricity generation and provides quiet, affordable as well as high efficient electricity generation.

Furthermore, they are developing their flagship level Thinair wind turbine, and also they have a great enthusiasm for distributed renewable energy in all its forms. Likewise, they promise to be there to help your ideas, connections, and solutions that consist of solar, wind, micro-hydro as well as other options for sustainable energy and its storage.

• Founded: 2007
• Headquarter: Otago, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 10-50 Employees 
• Sector: Wind energy
• Specialties: Generating Wind energy for both residential and commercial sectors 
• Significant feats: in-house developed ThinAir Wind Turbine
• Websites: Powerhousewind.co.nz

 

9. VEOLIA

Veolia is one of the veterans among the top renewable energy companies in New Zealand. The company is a wing of Veolia Group officially established in 1867. Veolia is also established in Australia, together the company employs over 1000 to 5000 employees. 

Nonetheless, the company delivers comprehensive solutions across the water, waste as well as energy. Therefore, the company helps device bottom-line savings as well as optimal sustainability performance for everyone. Veolia always works and innovates models that support the growth of people and contributes to sustainability.

Currently, the company can recover water, waste, and energy. The company claims its solutions can transform what is discarded by some into valuable resources for others. Similarly, they resource the world using Integrated Design. Likewise, the company can turn waste into energy as well as waste energy into new water supplies.

Veolia’s vision is to improve people’s lives and preserve the environment and its mission is to create creative solutions not just for people but for the environment as well. Similarly, the company offers other services like Cooling tower management, seawater desalination, dust suppression services, integrated environmental services as well as other services regarding sustainability.

• Founded: 1867
• Headquarter: Auckland
• Number of employees: Around 1000 to 5000 employees
• Sector: Renewable Energy
• Specialties: Providing integrated services regarding sustainability 
• Significant feats: 123 water and wastewater treatment plants operated, 240 waste management project completed
• Websites: veolia.com

 

10. Green Fuels

Green Fuels was founded in early 2013 and since then had enjoyed steady growth. However, in August 2017, the company became a division of Fulton Hogan. Currently, the company’s headquarter is located in Christchurch, New Zealand, and employs around 300 employees.

Green Fuels provides clean biodiesel to contribute to the country's fuel needs. The company provides biodiesel because it's one of the most less-hazardous, environmentally-friendly fuels that can replace petroleum diesel which are fossil fuels and harmful to the environment. Moreover, the company makes biodiesel in New Zealand via 100% recycled vegetable oils, thus making it much cheaper.

The company refines it in their Christchurch factory and then ships the resulting biofuel to their customers. Nonetheless, they inspire people and businesses to reduce carbon footprint and be part of a sustainable environment by using environment-friendly biodiesel. Furthermore, the company provides its services inconvenience and at a competitive price.

Green Fuels tanker fleets include a 3,500-litre mini-tanker, a 4,000-liter mini-tanker, as well as two full-size 12,000-liter tankers. Furthermore, the company has 40-meter hoses and can deliver either diesel or biodiesel to any home, farm, wharf, or work site. The company can supply, install, maintain as well as refill onsite tanks. Likewise, the convenience of a private pump is free of charge. So, going for Green Fuel is the best choice for you as well as for the environment.  

• Founded: Early 2013
• Headquarter: Christchurch, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 300 employees
• Sector: Bio-energy
• Specialties: Bio-diesel
• Significant feats: Produces in-house biodiesel by using 100 percent recycled vegetable oil
• Websites: Greenfuels.co.nz

Also Read: Top Renewable Energy Degrees to be Renewable Energy Experts in 2021

11. Ecogas

Eco gas is a joint venture of Ecostock Supplies Limited and Pioneer Energy Limited. The company works regarding converting organic food waste into beneficial products including renewable energy, biogas, organic biofertilizer. Therefore, this is a unique business model that will embrace the proper use of public organic waste.

Furthermore, Auckland Council has already contracted with Ecogas to process the region's food scraps for the next 20 years, beginning in October 2021. Likewise, Ecogas will use anaerobic digestion technology to produce renewable energy from biogas and liquid biofertilizers that can be used inland. Therefore, it will create a carbon-neutral circular economy solution.

Currently, Eco Stock Supplies converts over 35,000 tonnes per annum of commercial food waste. Similarly, Pioneer Energy runs a landfill gas generation as well as an industrial process heating plant that converts 30,000 tonnes per annum of local waste and woody biofuels. Now, Ecogas brings the experience of these two companies together to own as well as operate utility-scale anaerobic digestion.

The anaerobic digestion process is one of the best-proven technologies with thousands of plants operating worldwide. This process basically turns food waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers. Eco gas targets to divert 60,000 tonnes of commercial as well as consumer waste into renewable energy electricity and supply it to more than 1000 local homes. Furthermore, they target their same plant to produce enough bio-fertilizers to cover more than 300 Hectares of farmland that would reduce reliance on imported as well as artificial fertilizers.
 

• Founded: Will go operational in 2022
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 10-50 employees
• Sector: bio-energy
• Specialties: Converts waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers
• Significant Feats:  Targets to divert 60,000 tonnes of commercial as well as consumer waste into renewable energy electricity and supply it to more than 1000 local homes, they target their same plant to produce enough bio-fertilizers to cover more than 300 Hectare of farmland that would reduce reliance on imported as well as artificial fertilizers
• Websites: Ecogas.co.nz

 

12. Solar City

Established in 2008 by Andrew Booth, SolarCity is New Zealand’s only renewable energy to provide all-in-one solar solutions. The company has also put more Kiwi-made panels on homes as well as businesses than anyone else. They want to help create a cleaner world and create a sustainable future. Also, their main purpose is to make New Zealand 100% sustainable.

Solar City is New Zealand’s leading solar energy company as well as a proud member of SEANZ. It is also the first company in the world to achieve Toitu carbbonzeroCert certification. Therefore, it is the only solar energy company in New Zealand with this green credential. Likewise, the company is also the fastest-growing green company in New Zealand and is included in Government's 500 focused companies targeted to contribute to the country's significant benefits regarding the economy.

Their product SolarZero combines solar panels, smart battery technology as well as access to 100% renewable, price-protected electricity from the grid. Furthermore, the company guarantees savings in its products. You can even charge your electric vehicle with this. Moreover, the smart battery is custom-made and the company also offers a web-based monitoring platform that gives you total control. 

Solar City’s main mission is to accelerate New Zealand’s transition to be 100% renewable as well as lower the cost for energy for Kiwis. The company comes in when it comes to providing additional renewable energy to people whilst the country works to meet its target of generating 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

• Founded: 1981 by Andrew Booth
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 11-50 employees
• Sector: Solar energy
• Specialties: Providing all-in-one solar solution
• Significant feats:  first company in the world to achieve Toitu carbbonzeroCert certification, a proud member of SEANZ
• Websites: Solarcity.co.nz

 

13. New Zealand Geothermal Association

New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA) was established on 21st October 1992. It is headquartered in Auckland. The association was formed following a meeting of a group of geothermal professionals at the Geothermal Institute of the University of Auckland. The motive of the group was to bring the geothermal industry together to promote as well as advance geothermal in the country.

The NZGA is an affiliated member of the International Geothermal Association. Not to forget to also mention the Royal Society of New Zealand. Likewise, the NZGA connects with global geothermal communities and is well-positioned to positively influence geothermal initiatives on a bigger international stage.

NZGA linked people and projects by promoting geothermal research and employment opportunities to their fullest. It also serves as a forum for the exchange of quality and unbiased information regarding geothermal. Furthermore, NZGA is a non-political, non-governmental as well as not-for-profit organization.

Nonetheless, it collaborates with national as well as international governmental, institutional, and private agencies for the sustainable development of geothermal resources. There are many other things that NZGA does. Similarly, NZGA’s members are all part of a diverse as well as a skilled network of people. All these people work and live with unique geothermal resources. Their main mission is to represent the country's geothermal community by promoting the legacy, sustainability as well as benefits of geothermal for Aotearoa.

• Founded: October 21st, 1992
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 10-50 employees
• Sector: Geothermal Energy
• Specialties: collaborates with national as well as international governmental, institutional, and private agencies for the sustainable development of geothermal resources
• Significant feats:  NZGA’s members are all part of a diverse as well as a skilled network of people working and living with unique geothermal resources
• Websites: Nzgeothermal.org.nz

 

14. NZ Solar Power

NZ Solar Power’s main goal is to help people save money on energy whilst setting an example for a green and sustainable future. Their MyGeneration Home, as well as Business Solar Systems, offers a holistic approach to ensure that Solar, batteries, energy Controllers, and Data Monitoring & Analytics are designed to custom match and fulfill specific needs and circumstances of people.

The company believes, offering this tailored approach to Solar Power and Energy Management will offer superior value as well as service to people by optimizing the performance and payback of each individual system. Furthermore, NZ Solar Power is experienced in the home, commercial as well as utility-scale solar PV providers.

Likewise, their mission is to be the best energy solution provider in New Zealand. Not just for residential applications but for commercial as well. The company works to strive in providing people with a superior solar energy management solution. Similarly, the company’s vision is to see New Zealand powered by 100% renewable energy. Furthermore, the company has an experienced team of experts that enables them to offer high-quality, long-lasting systems, custom-designed to ensure everyone's satisfaction. 

NZ Solar Power only uses high-quality and trusted solar panels as well as inverter solar products that have a proven track record in New Zealand. They have no hidden costs as well as have experienced installers with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Moreover, the company provides a 25-year performance warranty on solar panels and a 10-year warranty on inverters. 
 

• Founded: Undisclosed
• Headquarter: Auckland, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 10-50 employees
• Sector: Solar energy 
• Specialties: Solar panel, batteries, inverters, commercial solars
• Significant feats: Partnered with giants like Huawei, Sungrow, Hyundai, Enphase, JASolar, and more
• Websites: NzSolarPower.com

 

15. Top Energy

Last but not least on our list of top renewable energy companies in New Zealand we have Top Energy. Top Energy was first established in 1935 and is a company owned by its power consumers. The company’s shares are held by the Top EnergyConsumer Trust on behalf of electricity consumers in the region. 

Top Energy is a local electricity network provider and geothermal generator. It supplies over 31,500 electricity consumers in the Far north. Furthermore, the company’s vision is to be a pillar of the Far North Community of New Zealand. From energy generation to the light switch, top energy does it all for the people of its region.

The company is basically a team of people with skills that provide a range of services across multiple workstreams. They generate electricity through their own geothermal power plants. They also transmit as well as distribute electricity through their own network. Top Energy is committed to providing its consumers with a reliable supply of power as well as the highest level of customer service.

Nevertheless, Top Energy is one of the major contributors when it comes to its community’s well-being. It manages assets of over $300 million and employs over 200 staff. The company is placed to act as a catalyst to develop economic potential in the region because the company is one of the largest businesses based within the region. Top Energy pumps nearly $10 just by paying salaries as well as wages and by buying goods as well as services from local businesses each year into the local economy. 

• Founded: 1935
• Headquarter: Kerikeri, New Zealand
• Number of employees: Around 200 employees
• Sector: Renewable energy 
• Specialties: providing electricity and geothermal energy 
• Significant feats: Pumps $10 million each year in the local economy
• Websites: Topenergy.co.nz

Also Read: Top 15 Renewable Energy Companies in USA

How many Wind Turbines are there in New Zealand?

Although there isn’t much space for installing wind farms as well as the wind isn’t that good in New Zealand, the country still utilizes its wind resources to the maximum. Furthermore, in 2019, wind comprised 5.1% of total electricity generation as well as provided enough electricity to power the whole country for 19 days. Not to forget to mention, New Zealand wind farms generate electricity around 40% of their rated output annually, which is among the highest in the world. 

Currently, New Zealand boasts 17 wind farms across the country. Similarly, these 17 wind farms consist of 490 wind turbines altogether. Likewise, these wind farms have a combined installed capacity of 690 MW and supply nearly 6% of the country’s annual electricity generation. Furthermore, wind turbines in New Zealand operate about 90 percent of the time but their electricity generation amount depends on wind conditions.

Image Source | Windenergy.org.nz

However, there are 8 more wind farms in construction that consist of 91 wind turbines. When these wind farms go operational, the number of wind farms will rise to 23 and the number of wind turbines in New Zealand will hike to 581 wind turbines. The installed capacity will also uplift from 690 MW to 1,045 MW. Therefore, wind energy is on its way to development in New Zealand.  This is all thanks to top renewable energy companies in New Zealand.

Wind energy Experts believe there is currently approximately 2500 MW of Wind generation consented to in the country. So, the developers are always exploring sites throughout the country to install new wind farms.

Source | Windenergy.org.nz

 

What is New Zealand’s main Source of Energy?

Even though New Zealand’s renewable energy development is praiseworthy, its consumer energy demand is still saddening. The consumer energy demand for Oil is higher than other energy sources. So, New Zealand’s main source of energy automatically becomes oil which is a non-renewable resource. The below table shows the consumer energy demand.

 

The country’s Total Primary Energy Supply or TPES in short is generally measured in Petajoules (PJs). The primary energy supply was 819 PJs in New Zealand. In this number, Oil contributed the highest with 307 PJs. 

Image from EnergyMix.co.nz

 

The number of Oil has come high because of the energy use sector. The stats of Energy use per sector shown in the picture above clearly demonstrates it. Industry uses energy the most followed up by Transport and domestic that require oil the most. Hopefully, top renewable energy companies in New Zealand, as well as the Government of New Zealand, are developing new ways and implementing new policies to tackle this obstacle.

Source | EnergyMix.co.nz

 

How much of New Zealand’s energy is renewable?

As we previously said, approximately 40% of primary energy comes from renewable energy in New Zealand. However, approximately 80% of electricity comes from renewable energy. Thus, when talking about Total Primary energy the ratio is split 40/60 with oil and coal taking the number 60. But in terms of electricity only, the number is split 80/20 with hydro and geothermal taking the number 80 whilst 20 is taken by coal only.

 

Furthermore, New Zealand is a net importer of energy, mainly when it comes to petroleum products. However, the proportion of non-renewable energy varies annually which depends on water flows into hydroelectricity lakes as well as demand for energy. As we earlier discussed, energy demand for oil is the highest in New Zealand. Therefore, it contributes hugely towards 60% of non-renewable energy sources.

Likewise, another source used is coal that is produced from 18 opencast mines. Similarly, high in demand oil and gas is produced from 21 petroleum licenses all in the Taranaki Basin. Furthermore, As per reports of Energy Mix, New Zealand’s oil consumption is around 49 million barrels of oil per year and 4.7 billion cubic meters per year of natural gas per year. This is more than 1600 liters of crude oil per person, per year.

New Zealand’s total energy consumption is 589 PJs that come from 60% Non-renewable sources as well as 40% renewable sources. This total energy consumption is 0.15% of the world’s annual consumption. Oil, Gas, Coal, Hydro, Wind, Geothermal, Solar as well as wood all contribute to the total energy consumption in New Zealand. 

 

Also Read: Top 15 Renewable Energy Company in Germany

Conclusion

Now with all the development in renewable energy sources, the country is still pursuing its target of 95% of electricity generation from renewable energy. Most of this renewable energy is generated via renewable energy companies in New Zealand. The country aims to achieve this number by 2025. To achieve this number the company has been implementing and improving its way of generating renewable energy sources. The country is adding wind farms, finding new biomass, and working on solar as well as Hydro and geothermal.

Likewise, the country wants to build a 100% renewable electricity grid. Therefore, the country has put NZ$30 million into this project. This project is based on investigating pumped hydro storage which uses cheap electricity to pump river or lake water into an artificial reservoir. This is because it can be released to generate electricity when needed, mostly during dry years when hydro lakes are low.

The sheer hard work and efforts of New Zealand are clearly seen. All this is for achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve this, the country’s 60% increment in supply in the next 30 years will mainly come via new wind as well as solar generation and geothermal. But new hydro dams are unlikely to be built because of their significant environmental impacts. 

Let’s hope New Zealand never stops its path of development in renewable energy and continues to grow as time passes by. If the country achieves its aim of net Zero Carbon Emissions then it won’t be just helpful for them but for the world because it will help decrease the effects of climate change. Thus, other countries will also get inspired and race towards the same aim of net Zero Carbon Emissions that will be beneficial for all living creatures of the world.
 

Last but not least, let’s take a good look at the 15 Top Renewable Energy Companies in New Zealand.