Lodestone Energy, a New Zealand solar developer plans to build its largest project to date—a 220 MW photovoltaic solar project—in the southern high country on Haldon Station in the Mackenzie district of the central South Island. This initiative supports New Zealand's push to integrate more solar power with its hydroelectric resources.
Proposed 220-Megawatt Solar Farm to Power 50,000 Homes
Lodestone Energy is set to commence construction of a 220MW solar farm in the Mackenzie District by mid-2025. This solar farm is anticipated to produce 340 GWh annually, sufficient to power nearly 50,000 homes.
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Lodestone's managing director, Gary Holden, noted a growing demand from commercial customers for 100% renewable energy which will aid the country in progressing toward a zero-carbon future.
“By diversifying our production and expanding into the South Island, our company is meeting customer needs, providing an alternative power option and playing a crucial role in achieving zero carbon goals. In addition, we can support Haldon Station achieve their goals through restoration support.” he said.
Solar Farm Planned for Haldon Station in Mackenzie District
The 220 MW project will be located at Haldon Station in the Mackenzie district of the central South Island. In collaboration with Haldon Station, this project aims not only to harness renewable energy but also to enhance non-productive land and support ecological restoration efforts. The Klisser family, who owns the station opted for solar energy due to challenges with wind erosion and pests on the specific land they are leasing to Lodestone.
"We believe, based on research and observations of other well-planned developments on the property, that the partial shade and shelter provided by the panels will benefit the land below, encouraging the revegetation of native flora and fauna. The station plans to ring-fence the area with rabbit netting and completely destock it to allow for full regeneration of natural grasses." says Paddy Boyd, the Station Manager.
Lodestone's Solar Farm Portfolio
Lodestone Energy Limited is a New Zealand-owned and operated company. Established to support the national initiative to decarbonize the energy sector, Lodestone Energy strives to make significant contributions to the country's electricity generation through solar power.
Lodestone's Phase 2 program includes Haldon Station as its fourth solar farm, following the company's announcement to construct solar farms in Clandeboye, Mount Somers and Dunsandel. The construction of these solar farms will be financed through funds from a capital raise initiated by the company.
In the North Island, the company operates two active solar farms: Kohirā, a 33 MW facility in the far north, recognized as New Zealand’s inaugural utility-scale solar farm, and Rangitaiki, a 32 MW installation situated in Edgecombe within the Bay of Plenty region. Additionally, the 42 MW Te Herenga o Te Rā solar farm, also located in the Bay of Plenty is scheduled to commence operatio
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ns later this year.
Looking ahead, Lodestone has plans for two new projects scheduled to begin generating electricity in mid-2025: a 32 MW solar farm in Whitianga and another 52 MW facility in Dargaville, both situated in Northland. These developments underscore Lodestone Energy's commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in advancing New Zealand's energy independence through solar innovation.