Solar project developer Lightsource bp has broken ground on its 168MW Kōwhai Park solar power plant in Christchurch, New Zealand, just days after securing financing.
Lightsource bp Brings Solar Power to New Zealand
Kōwhai Park is being built on land owned by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Environment Canterbury, adjacent to Christchurch Airport. The project is a key collaboration between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy Limited.
Kowhai Park solar project New Zealand
Construction on the power plant began after the developer secured NZ$267 million (US$162 million) in funding. The financing package came from a consortium of international banks, including Westpac New Zealand, Mizuho, China Construction Bank, and Intesa Sanpaolo—IMICIB.
At a ceremony marking the start of construction, Adam Pegg, Managing Director of APAC at Lightsource bp, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing low-cost, reliable energy solutions for New Zealand.
“We’ve built strong partnerships with both Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport, and we’re proud to lead such an important and complex project for the region,” Pegg added.
Kōwhai Park Project to Install 300,000 Solar Modules
Developed in partnership with Contact Energy, the Kōwhai Park project will feature approximately 300,000 solar modules. Once completed in 2026, it will connect to Orion New Zealand’s 66kV distribution network and generate 290,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 36,000 homes.
“Kōwhai Park solar farm is strategically positioned to generate renewable energy at scale. The project would play a pivotal role in advancing New Zealand’s renewable energy goals,” said Rod Smythe, KWM lead partner.
Will Sellars, Lightsource bp associate GC, echoed this sentiment: “Kōwhai Park marks a significant milestone as our first project in New Zealand to reach this stage. We’re proud to have established a strong partnership with Contact and Christchurch Airport, contributing to New Zealand’s journey towards decarbonisation.”
CHINTEC and Ventia to Oversee Solar Project Construction
Engineering, procurement, and construction contractor CHINTEC is managing the construction of the solar PV project, while infrastructure service provider Ventia will oversee the network connection infrastructure.
This solar PV project marks the first phase of the broader Kōwhai Park Ecosystem, situated on 400 hectares of land near Christchurch Airport’s runways. The airport is actively seeking further investment from businesses interested in advancing renewable energy projects and supporting its decarbonization efforts.
As part of this vision, Christchurch Airport plans to integrate various innovative technologies. The ecosystem plan includes developing on-site liquid hydrogen production, electric ground charging for EV fleets, vertical farming assets, and data centres to support the region’s energy transition.
