New Zealand’s energy mix is characterized by a high proportion of renewable sources for electricity, though fossil fuels continue to dominate total primary energy supply (TPES) due to their use in transport and industry. As of 2024, renewable energy reached a record high of 45.5% of the total primary energy supply.

New Zealand is actively developing a green hydrogen economy to decarbonize “hard-to-abate” sectors like heavy transport, aviation, and industrial processing. Leveraging its abundant renewable energy, the country aims to transition from a net energy importer to a green energy exporter by 2050.

Major Projects & Infrastructure

• Hiringa Energy Refuelling Network: Building a nationwide network for heavy transport. Stations are already operational in Auckland (Wiri), Hamilton, and Palmerston North, with more planned to cover 95% of North Island freight routes.
• Kapuni Green Hydrogen Project: A partnership between Ballance Agrinutrients and Hiringa Energy to produce green ammonia for fertilizer and hydrogen for transport using wind energy.
• Halcyon Power: A joint venture between Tūaropaki Trust and Obayashi Corporation, operating New Zealand’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen plant powered by geothermal energy in Taupō.

New Zealand is also exploring “white” (natural) hydrogen, with research ongoing into undersea seeps in Fiordland that continuously generate gas through geological processes.