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Waikato has the potential to be a key renewable energy-producing region, helping Aotearoa New Zealand to reach its net zero emissions targets. It has a broad range of natural and infrastructural resources that power the region’s ability to generate, store and supply energy across New Zealand and (eventually) the world.
Energy Generation in the Waikato
Waikato is New Zealand’s leading energy generation region, and home to the country’s oldest regional energy strategy. The strategy, developed by the Waikato Regional Energy Forum Trust, sought agreement from the regional community on how to ensure locals can continue to access reliable energy at affordable prices, which helps to maintain resilience and a high quality of life within the community.
The region has considerable energy generation assets in a range of forms. Waikato is home to the majority of New Zealand’s geothermal power, as well as significant hydroelectric power stations. The Huntly Power Station is the largest thermal power station in New Zealand, powering many thousands of homes across the upper North Island. The Waikato also has significant potential to be a key renewable energy-producing region, with expertise, infrastructure and investment being harnessed to this end.
Why Waikato?
Waikato’s energy sector has a long history of energy generation as well as the ability to adapt to meet new clean energy requirements. As New Zealand transitions to a carbon-zero economy by 2050, it will require a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources - both of which Waikato is able to provide.
There is significant untapped potential in Waikato’s geothermal and wind power assets. A significant offshore wind farm is currently being explored, with construction expected to begin by 2030.
Solar energy generation is an additional area of focus, with UK-based firm Harmony Energy given approval to develop one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest solar farm – the Tauhei Solar Farm in Te Aroha. Learn more here.
As one of New Zealand’s leading regions for energy generation historically, Waikato has significant existing expertise and infrastructure that can be repurposed for new, clean energy sources. This gives the region a key advantage in the race to generate, store and supply renewable energy both within New Zealand and internationally.
Te Waka and Energy
Te Waka is actively involved in exploring how Waikato can meet the changing energy sector needs of the future. Te Waka already has partnered with global leaders to support the development of the region’s renewable energy sector.
The transformation of the Waikato energy sector has clear environmental benefits, and will also help to create hundreds of jobs within the region. This includes direct employment in the energy industry and indirectly in sectors such as construction and maintenance.
Related Content
Te Waka has partnered with BlueFloat Energy and Elemental Group Limited to transform the region’s economic performance in the energy sector. A current focus is The Waikato Offshore Wind project, which will help decarbonise the local industrial ecosystem and support the sustainable growth of energy-intensive industries. Click here to find out more.
Read Energy Sector News
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Reflections from the Climate Change & Business Conference 2023
Attending for the second year, Te Waka General Manager Economic Development Rosie Spragg shares her key reflections from the conference, with a focus on areas of opportunity for the Waikato:
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Reflections from the Wind Energy Summit 2023 Part 2: The need for bold leadership and innovative partnerships
In this second of two articles on the Summit, Rosie shares her reflections on key challenges we are likely to face in establishing an offshore wind industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the need for bold leadership and innovative partnerships to overcome those barriers.
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Reflections from the Wind Energy Summit 2023 Part 1: The opportunity for wind energy to underpin transformation of our economy.
As the highest emitting region in the country, with high levels of emissions intensity relative to our population and GDP, the imperative for the Waikato to prioritise decarbonisation is clear. This presents both challenge and opportunity for our region, as we look to new technologies, processes, and industries to drive sustainable growth.
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Rising to the Regional Growth Challenge
Te Waka recently hosted the Infrastructure Commission to discuss how the Waikato, and Aotearoa at large, can rise to the regional growth challenge. The Waikato is growing. Opportunities are knocking at our door and we need to position ourselves to capitalise on these when they appear. For General Manager Economic Development Rosie Spragg, the visit from the Infrastructure Commission reinforced the fact that we are at a crucial turning point for the future of our region and its ongoing growth.
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Major investment planned to develop South Auckland-Waikato Offshore Wind industry
The consortium formed by BlueFloat Energy, Energy Estate and Elemental Group is announcing today its plans for a multibillion-dollar investment in offshore wind projects in South Auckland and West Waikato, Aotearoa.