Te Aroha solar farm sod-turning ceremony

Energy and Climate Change minister Simon Watts joined guests for a soil-turning ceremony for a Te Aroha solar farm project in the Waikato, a joint venture between Harmony Energy and Clarus company First Renewables.

The solar farm, expected to be commissioned by late 2026, will cover 182 hectares and generate 280GWh of electricity annually, enough to supply the equivalent of about 35,000 New Zealand homes and businesses.

“We are pleased to have reached this major milestone in a project that heralds a significant step forward in New Zealand’s pursuit of providing cleaner, home-grown energy,” says Clarus future fuels general manager James Irvine.

“At the time of commissioning, it is expected to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm at 202 MW-peak (MWp).

“It sets a benchmark for large-scale solar projects, reinforcing the growing role of solar in New Zealand’s renewable energy landscape.”

Harmony Energy director Pete Grogan says the solar farm project is supported by a power purchase arrangement with Meridian Energy, which will purchase 100% of the output for the first 10 years.

“The project demonstrates how government, industry, and financial institutions can work together to meet New Zealand’s energy security and climate goals,” he says.

“The Government’s Fast Track Act plays a key role in enabling renewable energy development and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

“Solar power presents a real opportunity to strengthen our energy supply, lower power prices, and boost the economy by creating more jobs in the Waikato,” says Watts.

“I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and contribute to the Government’s goal to double renewable energy by 2050.”

About100,000 native plants and a wetland restoration are part of the project, with. around 25,000 native plants already planted on the boundary of the solar farm site to ensure screen planting is established as early as possible.

Sheep will be farmed on the site.

The joint venture has appointed global renewable energy engineering procurement and construction contractor Elecnor as the lead construction partner to build the Tauhei solar farm backed by a syndicated debt facility from ANZ, ASB, BNZ and MUFG Bank.