Meridian Energy has received consent to construct a large solar farm near Palmerston North. The proposed 120 megawatt solar farm at Bunnythorpe would be developed alongside an already consented battery energy storage system.
“Solar energy is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s electricity generation, and we’re excited to bring this to Manawatū,” Meridian’s general manager of development, Guy Waipara, said.
The solar farm would include about 250,000 solar panels and, according to Meridian Energy, is expected to generate up to 225 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. That level of output would be enough to power around 30,000 average homes.
The project remains subject to a final investment decision by Meridian Energy’s board, which is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Bunnythorpe Energy Park forms part of the $3 billion investment Meridian is planning through to 2030 as the company and its competitors push ahead with an ambitious strategy to expand new renewable generation capacity.
Meridian said the Manawatū project would support more than 100 local construction jobs, alongside up to $50 million in local spending over the course of construction.
The site would cover 280 hectares between Ashhurst and Stoney Creek Roads, located next to Transpower’s Bunnythorpe substation.