Construction has commenced on New Zealand’s largest solar farm, a $300 million project spearheaded by Christchurch Airport in collaboration with Contact Energy and international solar developer Lightsource bp. The groundbreaking event, held on Tuesday morning, was attended by officials including Energy Minister Simeon Brown.
The solar farm, situated on 230 hectares of land adjacent to the airport’s runways, will feature approximately 300,000 solar panels. Upon completion, the 162-megawatt (MW) facility is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 36,000 homes, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s transition to sustainable energy.
“This project represents a significant step forward for us as we venture into solar energy,” said Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge. “With a total investment of around $300 million, this is a substantial commitment, backed by strong support from our banking partners.”
Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson highlighted the broader implications for the aviation industry, noting that the solar farm would provide a critical supply of green energy. “Aviation must decarbonize, and while the exact path—whether through electric, hydrogen, or sustainable aviation fuels—is still uncertain, the need for green energy is clear,” Watson stated. “The solar farm positions us to meet future energy demands as these technologies evolve.”
The project is the first phase of the airport’s Kōwhai Park renewable energy initiative, strategically located between Orion’s city supply lines and Transpower’s national grid pylons. The design of the solar panels ensures they absorb rather than reflect sunlight, avoiding disruption to airport operations.
Minister Brown emphasized the project’s role in the government’s broader strategy to enhance energy security and expand renewable energy capacity nationwide. The government also announced plans to expedite consents and reverse the oil and gas exploration ban, aiming to double New Zealand‘s renewable energy output by 2050.
Construction of the solar farm is expected to take 18 to 24 months.
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