Ruakaka solar farm gets final planning consent

Meridian Energy says it has got Environment Court final consent approval to build its 120MW Ruakaka solar farm in Northland.

Initial consent was granted by the Northland Regional Council in September, then an appeal was received regarding some environmental aspects of the development, says Merdian, adding this has been resolved following discussions between Meridian, the appellants and interested parties.

Meridian says it will now further enhance the protection of natural wetlands and dunelands, and restoration of wetland areas.

“Solar farms and batteries are part of the solution to strengthen and grow our electricity system,” says Meridian chief executive Neal Barclay.

“Along with our hydro stations and wind farms, they’ll build resilience for tough years and help to reduce the cost of electricity for Kiwi homes and businesses.”

Up to 250,000 solar panels are planned at the Ruakaka solar farm near Whangārei, able to produce about 200GWh annually – enough to power around half the homes in Northland, says Meridian.

The solar farm is the second stage of Meridian’s Ruakaka Energy Park, which also includes a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) expected to be fully operational by April 2025.

“We’re committed to increasing the amount of renewable electricity we generate and store so that we can help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for clean energy,” says Barclay.

“That commitment is backed by a $3 billion investment through to the end of the decade, and we have a number of excellent projects already in or approaching the planning process.”

Subject to a final investment decision by the Meridian board, expected in March, construction of the Ruakaka solar farm is due to start mid-2025 and to be completed by early 2027.