Construction on NZ’s latest solar farm gets underway

Construction has begun on one of New Zealand’s largest and most sustainable solar farms, which will be a valuable addition to the country’s electricity system and Te Tai Tokerau Northland’s energy resilience.

Meridian GM Development Guy Waipara says the 130MW Ruakākā Solar Farm - Meridian’s first in New Zealand, - is a perfect complement for the company’s many hydro stations and wind farms.

“This project’s a big deal, and it’ll provide a massive boost for Te Tai Tokerau Northland by increasing the amount of electricity being generated within the region,” says Guy Waipara.

“As more new renewable generation like wind and solar power is built, it’ll lighten the demand on the country’s hydro lakes to produce power year-round and reduce reliance on expensive thermal fuels like coal and gas.”

With 250,000 solar panels covering an area the size of 170 rugby fields, Ruakākā Solar Farm will be capable of producing up to 230GWh of electricity per year – enough to power around half the homes in Northland. Together with the company’s 100MW Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which was commissioned earlier this year, it forms the Ruakākā Energy Park - a concept Meridian is planning for other solar projects. Having a battery available allows electricity to be stored for high demand periods and helps smooth out peaks in demand.

The $227m project has a strong sustainability focus. More than 79,000 tonnes of construction carbon emissions will be completely offset, and Meridian will construct a new five-hectare wetland, enhance four hectares of existing wetland and complete 22 hectares of restoration planting as part of the project. Local employment is also being prioritised.

“We know how important it is to be a good neighbour and to do our part for the environment. And once it’s done, we’re planning to show how farming and electricity can co-exist by having sheep grazing between the panels,” says Guy Waipara. 

“This project will be a fantastic advertisement for how solar can add to New Zealand’s energy supply by making the most of our incredible natural resources.”

Construction and operations & maintenance contracts have been awarded to renewable energy expert Ethical Power.

“Although this is Meridian’s first solar site, Ethical Power is drawing on 15 years of experience in delivering solar PV solutions to ensure the highest quality outcome,” says Matt Rowe, Ethical Power New Zealand Managing Director. 

“What makes this project truly special is our shared values around sustainability, environmental care, and community which will help us build an exceptional project with positive impact all around. Ruakākā Solar Farm will stand as a flagship project for both Ethical Power and Meridian and, we hope, for Aotearoa as a whole.”

First generation is expected in late 2026 and full generation in early 2027. The farm has an expected life span of 35 years, at which point the panels will be recycled or repurposed.

Having invested more than $1 billion in the last five years, Meridian is investing a further $2 billion over the next three years. These projects include the 90MW Mt Munro Wind Farm near Eketāhuna, a 50-50 joint venture with Nova Energy Ltd for the 400MW Te Rahui Solar Farm at Rangitāiki, a 100MW BESS in Manawatū, and the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm repowering project, also in Manawatū.