Power Grid

The largest solar power plant in New Zealand has secured significant funding from both local and international institutions, prompting Light source BP to initiate the construction process. This plant will be located at Christchurch International Airport, and it is expected to play a crucial role in the country’s pursuit of carbon neutrality. Solar power, while only contributing a small fraction of New Zealand’s electricity generation, is part of a broader effort to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix.

Currently, renewable energy accounts for 80% of New Zealand's electricity, with hydropower and geothermal energy being the primary contributors. Despite the growth of solar power, its contribution to the energy mix is projected to remain modest, ranging from 1% to 6% by 2035. The government’s focus is on ensuring that clean energy sources, including solar, contribute to 100% of the energy mix by that time.

The project has received NZD 267 million (USD 161.8 million) in funding from Westpac New Zealand, Japan's Mizuho Bank, China Construction Bank, and Italy's Intesa Sanpaolo-IMICIB. Adam Bg, general manager of the company leading the project, emphasized the importance of reaching the funding stage and praised the partnership with Contact Energy, which will facilitate the project’s implementation in New Zealand.

With a capacity of 168 MW, the solar power plant will begin construction by the end of 2024, and operations are expected to commence in 2026. The plant is expected to generate 275 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power approximately 36,000 homes. Future expansions will include energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and hydrogen production, further solidifying the project’s role in advancing New Zealand’s renewable energy ambitions.