New Zealand solar generation reaches 242GWh, surpasses coal
In Q2 2026, New Zealand's solar energy generation hit a record 242GWh, marking a 56.2% increase from the previous year. This achievement signifies that solar power generated more electricity than coal for the first time over a 12-month period. The growth was supported by favorable hydro conditions and the expansion of renewable energy sources, which supplied 92% of the country's electricity.
New Zealand reached a solar energy milestone in the second quarter of 2026, with generation hitting a record 242GWh. This represents a 56.2% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. According to a report released on September 10, 2026, by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), solar energy has now generated more electricity than coal over a rolling 12-month period for the first time in recorded history. The data highlights the growing role of solar power within the national electricity landscape.
This achievement follows a steady increase in renewable energy generation over recent years. Total electricity generation in Q2 2026 rose by 1.9% year-on-year to 11,163GWh, while renewable sources as a whole increased by 11.4% to 1,052GWh. Favorable conditions significantly aided this growth, with hydro generation increasing 14.7% to 6,283GWh following strong rainfall. Additionally, geothermal output reached a record 2,621GWh, and wind generation remained near record levels at 964GWh.
The physical implementation of solar projects has accelerated. In July 2026, Harmony Energy New Zealand and Igneo Infrastructure Partners launched the 202MWp Tauhei solar plant, which is currently the largest operational solar installation in the country. This agrivoltaics site combines energy production with sheep grazing on 182 hectares of former dairy farmland. The output from the project is contracted to Meridian Energy for the first ten years. Meanwhile, work on the 400MW Te Rahui Solar Farm is progressing, with the first phase expected to reach full capacity by mid-2027.
The transition toward renewable sources has resulted in a lower reliance on fossil fuels. Coal-fired generation fell by 74.3% and gas-fired generation dropped by 37.2% year-on-year. Consequently, coal imports decreased by 94%, reaching their lowest level since December 2011. These changes align with New Zealand’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning the energy grid toward cleaner sources.
Looking ahead, several development projects aim to expand national capacity further. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has identified potential for growth in residential solar, noting that only 3-4% of households currently have solar installed, compared to more than 30% in Australia. A review published in July 2026 recommended changes to streamline approval processes for these installations. As New Zealand continues to invest in these technologies, the country is expanding its capacity for renewable energy generation.
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