The New Zealand government has introduced the Fast Track Approval Bill, accelerating the development of ten solar PV projects.
New Bill Unveils 149 Projects to Boost Economy and Renewable Energy
Earlier this week, a new Bill was unveiled featuring 149 projects aimed at revitalizing the country's economy, tackling the housing crisis, boosting energy security and addressing critical infrastructure gaps.
Of these projects, 22 are dedicated to renewable energy with 10 focusing on solar PV. The list includes several large-scale solar PV plants, such as the 420MW Point Solar Farm in Canterbury on New Zealand's South Island and a 220MW solar PV project proposed by Lodestone Energy at Haldon Station, also in Canterbury.
New Zealand solar pv (Image: Collected)
In Canterbury, the Bill also fast-tracks the 88MW Balmoral Station solar array and the Black Point solar PV power plant. Additionally, the 76MW Wellsford solar PV project in Auckland has been included.
“The 22 renewable energy projects will help electrify the New Zealand economy, boost energy security and help New Zealand address its climate change goals. New Zealand has abundant renewable energy resources, but the planning system puts barrier after barrier in the way of taking advantage of them. Collectively, the projects will contribute an additional 3GW of generation capacity, if all consented. By comparison, Auckland’s historic peak demand is about 2GW.” said Chris Bishop, New Zealand’s minister for infrastructure.
Lodestone and Harmony Energy Projects Added to Fast-Track Bill
UK-based developer, Harmony Energy has had three projects included in the fast-track Bill: the Hinuera Solar Farm in Waikato, the 26MW Bunnythorpe Solar Farm in Manawatū-Whanganui and the Huirangi Solar Farm in Taranaki—located on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Additionally, the list features five hydro schemes, seven wind farms, and two energy infrastructure projects.
Lodestone Energy—based in Auckland—has included its 220 MW Haldon Station solar project alongside the Black Point Solar Farm in Canterbury, the Rotokawa Solar Farm in Waikato and the Foxton Solar Farm being developed by the SolarGen joint venture in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
“The government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 renewable electricity projects listed for fast-track will help us achieve that ambition. If all of these projects were to proceed, then New Zealand’s electricity generation capacity would increase by almost 30%. This would significantly boost our energy security.” said Simeon Brown, New Zealand Energy Minister.
Bill to Seek EPA Approval Set for November Reading
The committee is scheduled to report back to Parliament by October 18, with the bill set for its second reading in November. If passed, the projects listed in the bill will be eligible to apply to the EPA for review by an expert panel which could be granted the authority to approve the projects.
“The panels will include members with technical expertise relevant to a project, expertise in environmental matters and where relevant, conservation. They will function much the same way as the Covid-19 Fast Track legislation established by the previous government. The Fast Track Approvals Bill is a key part of the government’s plan to rebuild our economy and cut through the red and green tape that has made it more and more difficult to build the projects New Zealand needs,” said Shane Jones, Regional Development Minister .