Genesis opens New Zealand’s largest solar farm in Canterbury
The 52MW solar farm in Canterbury marks a major step in NZ’s renewable energy transition, powering 13,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions.
www.genesisenergy.co.nz
Genesis and joint venture partner FRV Australia have celebrated the completion of the country’s largest solar farm to date at Lauriston on the Canterbury Plains with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on site on 29 April.
More than 90,000 solar panels on the 93 hectare site are now generating up to 100 GWh of electricity a year, enough to power nearly 13,000 households.
The $104 million, 63 MW solar farm, located an hour’s drive from Christchurch, is the first to be developed by Genesis as part of its commitment to build up to 500 MW of solar capacity throughout New Zealand.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for the South Island and MP for Rangitata James Meager, iwi representatives, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, EA Networks chief executive Onno Mulder, and representatives from Genesis, FRV Australia and construction company Beon.
Genesis Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said the opening of the solar farm was an important milestone in delivering on the company’s long-term strategy, Gen35, and it was rewarding to see a source of new renewable generation adding to New Zealand’s electricity supply.
“For New Zealand to reach net zero 2050 the country’s energy must become 60% electric, 95% renewable and available 100% of the time. Solar has a clear role to play in this transition and we’re committed to expanding this area of our business,” says Johns.
FRV Australia CEO Carlo Frigerio said “Lauriston Solar Farm represents our vision of building a sustainable future through innovative renewable solutions, generating direct social and environmental benefits for local communities and the country.”
From left, landowners Bernard and Nickey Daley, Michael Steiner (FRV), South Island Minister and local MP James Meager, Malcolm Johns, Craig Brown, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, Tracey Hickman.
Minister for the South Island James Meager said the solar farm’s opening meant thousands of additional households, roughly equivalent to the size of Ashburton, were now powered by renewable energy, showcasing the opportunities for further solar generation in Canterbury and the South Island.
General Manager of construction partner Beon Energy Solutions Kieren Lewis said “The completion of this project represents a significant milestone for our team and the broader community. We are proud to contribute to New Zealand’s clean energy future while also supporting meaningful economic and social benefits for local communities, businesses, and workers.”
About 100 people were employed during construction of the solar farm and it will continue to employ three people now it is operational, in addition to supporting local contractors and service and supply businesses.
The project also saw the joint venture partners commit to a sponsorship agreement with nearby Lauriston School with funding donated over the next five years to support education in STEMM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, underpinned by mātauranga Māori).
Craig Wiggins, Chair of the Lauriston School Board of Trustees, said the joint venture’s contribution to the school was more than financial.
“It’s a commitment to educational excellence and to the future of our tamariki. As neighbours, Genesis and FRV have set a high benchmark for innovation and enterprise – values that resonate strongly within our school community. We’re excited about the partnership ahead.”
Malcolm Johns of Genesis said the development of the Lauriston solar farm provided knowledge now being deployed to other solar projects in Leeston, Edgecumbe and Foxton.
www.genesisenergy.co.nz
