Renewable energy use reaches a level ‘not seen in decades’ thanks to historic rainfall but scientists caution the trend may not be embedded
In a small coastal settlement, shrouded by the dense forest ranges of Te Urewera on New Zealand’s North Island, three hydropower stations are hungrily fed from a lake that is filled to the brink.
Over the past year, heavy rainfall has kept the clear waters of Lake Waikaremoana full and the lights of homes in the local district on. Thanks to extreme flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year, the reservoir has exceeded its usual levels.
