In a significant milestone, Lodestone Energy’s 23MW solar farm near Kaitāia is now operational, surpassing any existing solar installations in New Zealand.
Record-Breaking Capacity
Lodestone Energy’s solar farm, with a 23MW connection capacity, becomes the country’s largest solar power station, exceeding all previous solar installations in New Zealand.
Commissioning Progress and Schedule
Commissioning commenced last week, with one of the six power inverters supplying electricity to the national grid. The full operation is expected by late January.
Construction Challenges and Timely Completion
Despite facing challenges, including heavy rainfall earlier in the year, the Kaitāia solar farm remains on budget and only a few weeks behind schedule.
Market Integration and Bid Requirements
As the first solar farm required to “bid” into the power market, Lodestone must disclose its power generation estimates to align with demand.
Innovative Features and Agricultural Synergy
Unlike other solar farms, the Kaitāia project uses motorized trackers for solar panels, mounted on two-meter-high poles, allowing agricultural activities underneath. Sheep will be introduced shortly.
Cost and Contractual Agreements
The undisclosed project cost is approximately $60 million, with major power output commitments secured by the Warehouse Group and Pulse Energy.
Future Expansion Plans
Lodestone plans additional projects, including a larger solar farm near Dargaville, with construction potentially starting by late 2024.
National Solar Landscape and Recent Developments
New Zealand’s solar capacity continues to grow, with recent installations in Gisborne and ongoing projects like the Pukenui solar farm. Challenges persist, as seen in the Mackenzie Basin project denial.
Environmental Considerations and Future Developments
Efforts to balance ecological concerns have resulted in both successes and setbacks, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solar expansion in New Zealand.
Source：radionz.co.nz
