Developed under the Sunergise label, a Todd Corporation solar brand, the 2.1MW Kapuni Solar Power Plant with 5800 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels officially opened on June 25 although it has been exporting renewable electricity into the Taranaki network since May 10.
The plant can generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 520 New Zealand homes, and possibly help power EV charging.
“The Kapuni Solar Power Plant represents Sunergise’s first step in ground-mounted solar in New Zealand,” Sunergise general manager Paul Makumbe says.
“The energy landscape in New Zealand is changing, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and solar plants like Kapuni, will help by producing clean, renewable energy.”
Strong partnerships with local hapu, suppliers and contractors were key to the project’s success, with more than 40% of the workforce coming from referrals through the hapu.
Sunergise is a leading provider of rooftop solar to commercial customers in New Zealand, while a related company, Sunergise International, is developing solar generation in the Pacific Islands, having more than 20 years’ experience in designing and installing solar photovoltaic, battery, hybrid and mini grid systems across the Pacific.
The Kapuni Solar Power Plant opening follows the official launch of the $227 million Waipipi wind farm development run by Tilt Renewables, also in South Taranaki.
