A landmark 300 MWac solar farm has received the green light in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s renewable energy sector. The Central Otago District Council has granted resource consent for the Helios solar project, which will be situated on the Māniatoto Plain near Naseby.
Developed by Helios OTA Op LP, the massive facility will occupy approximately 660 hectares at 48 Ranfurly-Naseby Road. The approval, granted after a public hearing in August, allows for the installation of 550,810 solar panels mounted on a tracking system to maximize energy generation. The project is designed with a 35-year operational lifespan, after which the site will be fully decommissioned and reinstated.
Project Design and Dual-Use Agriculture for Central Otago Solar Farm: Stunning 300MW Project Approved
The approved plans detail a sophisticated energy generation facility, including a 33/220 kV substation and associated transmission infrastructure. In a nod to sustainable land use, the project will integrate agriculture by allowing for continued sheep grazing on maintained pasture among the rows of advanced photovoltaic (PV) technology. This dual-use model, often called agrivoltaics, demonstrates how renewable energy generation and traditional farming can coexist.
Responsive Development and Community Feedback on Central Otago Solar Farm: Stunning 300MW Project Approved
The final consent reflects a development process responsive to local input. An initial proposal for a battery energy storage system (BESS) was withdrawn in June 2025 following community feedback regarding potential fire risks and noise. This adaptation helped the project meet district noise standards. Furthermore, the council’s approval includes conditions to mitigate visual and landscape impacts on the rural Maniototo area through strategies like extensive native planting on adjacent properties.
Sources
- RC 240065 – Helios OTA Op LP – 48 Ranfurly-Naseby Road
- Legal submissions in reply on behalf of Helios
- Solar farm proposals on different tracks
- Helios welcomes resource consents for Ongaonga and …
