Lodestone Energy announces its first South Island solar farm

Lodestone Energy is set to begin construction on its first South Island solar project, marking a major expansion for the country’s largest utility-scale solar generator.

The new Clandeboye solar farm in Canterbury will generate 43 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually — equivalent in scale to Lodestone’s existing North Island facilities at Kaitaia, Edgecumbe, Whitianga and Waiotahe. Construction will begin this month, with first electricity generation expected in the third quarter of 2026.

Lodestone managing director Gary Holden says the new site aligns with the company’s vision to expand solar generation nationwide.

“Adding new generation at this pace is a crucial part of our vision to ensure New Zealand has a ‘solar farm in every community’.

 “We are committed to ensuring customers in all regions will have access to low cost, renewable energy, and solar is the perfect way to complement the existing South Island hydro resources.

“Canterbury is the ideal location for solar: there is plenty of sunshine, and it fits well with the electricity demand for irrigation and milk production,” Holden says.

The company is leasing 42 hectares from Clearwater Farm for the project, with sheep grazing to manage vegetation and native planting along the perimeter for visual screening. The site will connect to the Alpine Energy distribution network.

Lodestone has now commenced or consented five generation sites in as many years since its founding in 2019, with four additional projects already consented and five more in the planning stages. Its recent $50 million capital raise and extended banking facilities with Westpac will support the next phase of expansion.

Holden says increased solar generation will play a critical role in New Zealand’s energy transition, particularly as electricity demand continues to grow.

“We are planning to add a number of South Island sites over the next couple of years. Electrification of industrial boilers and the growing interest in electric cars will mean new generation will be needed for many years to come. Customers seeking a low-cost hedge against rising power prices is a compelling reason to build as quickly as we can,” he says.

For the Clandeboye development, Lodestone is partnering with Ethical Power, a renewable energy engineering and construction firm with local operations.

Ethical Power New Zealand managing director Matt Rowe says the partnership brings together complementary strengths.

“We are proud to partner with a company that is making great progress in the renewable energy sector and is aligned on the potential value solar can deliver to New Zealand.

“Our international construction experience alongside Lodestone’s local market experience makes for a strong partnership,” Rowe says.