Morrinsville site

Morrinsville Solar Farm

Morrinsville Solar Farm is a 110-megawatt development Meridian is planning 2km east of Morrinsville.

We’ve received consent to build a 110MW solar farm near Morrinsville in Waikato. 

Solar farms are part of the solution to strengthen and grow our electricity system. Along with our hydro stations, wind farms and batteries, they’ll build resilience for tough years and ultimately help to reduce the cost of electricity for Kiwi homes and businesses.

Project details

With up to 230,000 solar panels, the Morrinsville Solar Farm will produce up to 200GWh of electricity per year – enough to power more than 25,000 average homes, or more than six towns the size of Morrinsville. The site is 2km east of Morrinsville and 600m south of the Piako substation, where the solar farm will connect to the national grid. The consent also allows for electricity storage in the future through a distributed battery energy storage system.

What's next?

The solar farm project will now enter a detailed design and business case development phase before being presented to the Meridian Board for final approval.

If approved by our Board, we expect construction of the Morrinsville Solar Farm to begin in 2028, with completion taking about two years.

Morrinsville Solar Farm is expected to generate in excess of 100 local construction jobs and contribute tens of millions of dollars in local spend if it is built. Following construction, around four to five permanent jobs are expected to be created.

Once the solar farm is operational, the local community will have access to Meridian’s Power Up fund, which supports local projects in the areas near our assets. It’s one way we recognise the importance of local communities.

Any questions?

If you have questions about the project, contact us at renewables@meridianenergy.co.nz

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