The German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (GNZCC/), in partnership with adelphi, recently hosted two webinars as part of the New Zealand–German Energy Dialogue which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The webinars brought together experts from industry, government, grid operators, investors and project developers to discuss the future of utility-scale solar and onshore wind energy New Zealand and Germany. The two sessions provided a valuable platform for comparing market developments in both countries, exploring common challenges and identifying opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The discussions highlighted that while Germany and New Zealand are at different stages of renewable energy deployment, both countries are working towards similar goals: expanding renewable generation, ensuring security of supply, and integrating growing volumes of renewable electricity into the grid. Across both discussions, a common theme emerged: the key challenge is no longer the technology itself, but creating the conditions needed to deploy and integrate renewable generation at the scale required for the energy transition.
Utility-Scale Solar: From Rapid Growth to System Integration
The solar dialogue examined the rapidly evolving utility-scale solar market in New Zealand and compared it with Germany’s mature solar sector. New Zealand's solar market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Speakers highlighted a substantial project pipeline, growing investor interest and the important role solar is expected to play in meeting future electricity demand as the country moves towards greater electrification.
Germany offered a useful reference point as one of the world’s most advanced solar markets. With approximately 100 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity and a well-established auction system, Germany has demonstrated how utility-scale solar can be successfully deployed at scale. However, it was emphasised that success now brings new challenges. As solar deployment accelerates, issues such as grid congestion, curtailment, transmission capacity and market integration are becoming increasingly important. Germany's experience illustrates how the focus of the energy transition can shift from reducing generation costs towards managing system integration effectively.
Participants also explored financing models, market design, project consenting and grid connection processes. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of long-term planning and coordination between developers, grid operators, policymakers and investors to ensure that renewable energy growth can continue at pace.
Onshore Wind: Scaling Up Renewable Generation
The second webinar focused on onshore wind energy, another critical pillar of both countries’ energy transitions. The New Zealand Wind Energy Association outlined the sector’s ambitious growth trajectory. New Zealand currently benefits from strong wind resources and a growing project pipeline, with the sector targeting 8 GW of installed wind capacity by 2050. Wind energy is expected to provide approximately half of the additional renewable generation required to meet future electricity demand.
A speaker from Germany shared insights from one of the world's most mature onshore wind markets. Participants were informed about the country's auction framework, permitting processes and future policy developments, while the significant volume of projects currently under development and awaiting connection were highlighted. Germany’s experience demonstrated both the opportunities and complexities associated with large-scale deployment.
Across both markets, several common challenges emerged: Grid infrastructure and transmission capacity were recurring themes. As new renewable generation is can be located far from demand centres, significant investment in transmission networks will be needed to connect projects and transport electricity efficiently. Grid planning, connection processes and coordination between generation and transmission development were identified as critical factors in determining the pace of future growth.
Speakers also discussed workforce requirements, supply chain constraints and the growing scale of modern wind projects. Larger turbines, evolving project designs and increasing competition for specialist equipment and labour are reshaping project development and delivery. At the same time, developers highlighted the importance of efficient consenting pathways and stable investment conditions to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Shared Lessons for the Energy Transition
A key takeaway from both webinars was that technology costs are no longer the primary barrier to renewable energy deployment. Instead, attention is increasingly turning towards grid integration, transmission infrastructure, permitting, financing and project delivery. Whether discussing solar or wind, participants agreed that successful scale-up requires coordination across the entire value chain.
By bringing together stakeholders from New Zealand and Germany, the New Zealand–German Energy Dialogue continues to provide a valuable forum for sharing experiences, discussing emerging challenges and identifying practical solutions. As both countries pursue increasingly ambitious renewable energy targets, international exchanges such as these play an important role in supporting a resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future.
