UK-based renewable energy developer Harmony Energy has significantly expanded its footprint in New Zealand after securing resource consent for two major solar farms on the country’s North Island. The approvals represent a key milestone, adding a combined capacity of nearly 150 MW to the company’s growing clean energy portfolio.
The two projects received a green light through an accelerated approval process. The 75 MW Ōpunake Solar Farm will be situated in the Taranaki region, deploying approximately 175,000 solar panels across a 58-hectare site. Nearby, the 73.5 MW Marton Solar Farm, located near Palmerston North, will feature an array of around 165,000 photovoltaic modules on 93 hectares of land.
Together, the solar farms are projected to generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 30,000 New Zealand homes. The construction phase, expected to last between 12 and 18 months, is also set to deliver a significant economic boost by creating around 400 direct full-time equivalent jobs.
Pete Grogan, a Director at Harmony Energy, highlighted the projects’ dual benefits. “Solar farms not only support our environmental and energy security goals, but they’ll also help local businesses flourish through job creation and economic growth,” he stated. “Renewable energy infrastructure is essential for the future of our planet and Harmony Energy is proud to be at the forefront of this change.”
The Ōpunake and Marton developments were two of three projects fast-tracked by New Zealand’s Minister for the Environment under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, a measure designed to expedite critical infrastructure development. A decision on the third project, the 100 MW Carterton Solar Farm north of Wellington, is still pending.
These projects are part of Harmony Energy’s broader strategy in the region, which includes the flagship 147 MW Tauhei Solar Farm in Waikato, being developed with First Renewables, a subsidiary of the energy group Clarus. “Obtaining resource consent for these projects represents another milestone for the NZ business,” Grogan added. “Construction of the Tauhei Solar Farm is on track to start this spring so it’s great to know there’s more in the pipeline.” He also noted that the newly approved sites will incorporate native planting to enhance local biodiversity and are designed to allow for continued farming activities.
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