Lodestone powers up first South Island solar farm

Lodestone Energy has achieved first power at its fifth solar farm and first in the South Island, with the new Clandeboye facility in South Canterbury now connected to the grid.

Located north of Temuka, the 27.7MW solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 6,000 homes once fully commissioned. It is the first grid-scale solar farm connected to Alpine Energy’s network, supplying locally generated renewable electricity into the region’s distribution network.

The project took 12 months to build and employed up to 70 people at peak construction. Lodestone says the development was completed on time and on budget by construction partner Ethical Power New Zealand and subcontractor New Energy.

Lodestone managing director Gary Holden says the project marks another milestone in the company’s expansion.

“Clandeboye is our fifth solar farm we’ve built. With every new farm we successfully deliver, a new group of customers can enjoy the benefits of low-cost solar energy.

“By bringing new sources of renewable energy to market, right-sized for the communities they serve, we are making a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s energy transition while providing a competitive power alternative in the retail market.”

The company says the solar farm will complement the South Island’s hydro-electric generation by helping preserve lake storage during dry years, improving security of electricity supply.

The site will also remain in agricultural use under Lodestone’s long-term lease, transitioning from cattle grazing to sheep grazing as part of the company’s dual-use farming model. Around 3,700 native plants have been established around the site’s perimeter.

Alpine Energy chief executive Caroline Ovenstone says the project represents an important milestone for the region.

“We’re proud to have worked alongside Lodestone to connect this project to our network. As the first large-scale solar generation connected to Alpine’s network, the Clandeboye solar farm is an important milestone for South Canterbury and reflects the growing role renewable generation will play in meeting New Zealand’s future electricity needs.”

Lodestone says the project forms part of its wider expansion plans, with more than 200MW of solar generation now operating or under construction across New Zealand.

Construction has already started on the company’s sixth solar farm, a joint venture in Central Hawke’s Bay, while a proposed development at Haldon Station in the Mackenzie Basin recently received draft approval through the Government’s fast-track consenting process.