A British based company is proposing a large solar farm in eastern Waikato capable of powering 30,000 homes.
Artist's impression of proposed Harmony solar farm for eastern Waikato. Photo: Supplied
Harmony Energy New Zealand is seeking fast track approval to install 329,000 solar panels on 182 hectares of farmland at Te Aroha West.
Harmony director Pete Grogan said the solar farm could produce up to 147 megawatts (MW) of power, which would be fed into the national grid for domestic and commercial users, and boost renewable energy resources.
"This proposal creates opportunities for local businesses and employment, supports the country's net-zero ambitions and creates significant biodiversity gains."
Pete Grogan. Photo: Supplied
He said the plan was to maintain normal farming activity on the site, although sheep would replace dairy cattle, as well as set aside areas for native bat habitat, a wetland, and riparian margins.
Harmony's UK parent builds, owns and operates wind, solar and battery energy storage facilities, and has links with Tesla for battery systems for its sites.
Grogan said the project could be completed in 12 months with limited effects on the local area and environment, with the land largely flat limiting the amount of earthworks that might be needed.
The project is the latest solar generation planned, with Meridian Energy working towards a 100 MW farm next to the Marsden Point oil refinery, Christchurch Airport looking at 150 MW station, and Lodestone Energy looking at five farms through Northland and the Bay of Plenty.