Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy that comes from a resource that is naturally replenished, or used in a way that it does not run out.

Examples include:

• solar energy from the sun
• hydro energy generated from water flowing through turbines
• wind energy, which can be harnessed to drive wind generators
• bioenergy from biomass (biological materials that store energy such as wood, or other organic material)
• geothermal energy, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or provide direct heat
• marine energy, such as wave and tidal energy devices

Renewable energy sources generally do not emit greenhouse gases when you use them, so they are better for the environment.

Non-renewable energy is sourced from fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas. Once they are used, they are gone, and they typically emit greenhouse gases when you use them.

Power your life with renewables

Climate change and rising fuel prices are prompting more people to think about how they can use renewable energy to power their lives. There are some easy, free ways to use renewable energy everyday.

• Use the sun and wind to dry your clothes. Solar energy is the most abundent energy source on the planet, and using it directly can save you money on your power bill. When it’s fine, you can avoid using your dryer and instead dry your clothes outside with the sun and wind.
• Use the sun to warm your house. If you are designing a new home, make sure it is designed to capture and retain as much heat from the sun as possible.

There are also ways that you can make greater use of our renewable resources. These require some initial investment:

• Use the sun to heat your hot water. There are two ways of achieving this. A solar water heater directly uses the sun’s energy to heat your hot water. A heat pump water heater uses the ambient air temperature (which is heated from the sun), and transfers some of this heat into your hot water. Around 30% of a household’s powerbill usually goes on hot water heating, and these technologies can save you up to 75% of that. You may even be eligible for a grant – visit EECA’s Solar Water Heating website for more information.
• Generate your own power. Depending on where you are, you may be able to generate your own electricity using solar panels, wind turbines and hydro power. Generating your own electricity is not always the best or cheapest option. But in some situations – especially properties not connected to the main electricity network – generating your own power can be a viable option.
• Get into biofuels. Ethanol in petrol and biodiesel in diesel are made from renewable energy sources and have lower net carbon emissions than fossil fuels. Find out more about using biofuels in your car.

Renewable energy in New Zealand

In New Zealand, much of our electricity - 65% to 70% - is generated by renewable energy sources; mostly hydro, geothermal, wind, and a small amount from biomass. Under the New Zealand Energy Strategy [MED website] we have a goal to increase this to 90% by 2025.

Between 35% and 30% of electricity generation is gas, coal, or oil fired.
Currently, nearly all our transportation relies on fossil fuel energy, with the exception of electric trains and buses, but work is underway to introduce alternatives. Over the coming years, renewable transport fuels are expected to find their way into niche markets. E10, a petrol product with 10% ethanol, is already available from selected outlets, and biodiesel is very close to being commercially viable, with some small amounts in use now.

Bioethanol is now available in some pretrol stations around the country, and legislation requiring oil companies to sell a percentage of biofuels is due to be introduced later this year. Work is also underway to investigate the potential for electric vehicles in New Zealand.

More information

Find out more about renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programmes on the EECA website.