United Kingdom-headquartered renewables developer Lightsource bp and New Zealand gentailer Contact Energy have announced financial close on the $233 million (NZD 285 million) Glorit Solar Farm being developed near Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island.
Lightsource bp said the 150 MW project will now enter the construction stage with a joint venture between Intec Energy Solutions and Complant appointed to deliver the project being built about 50 kilometres north of Auckland. It is scheduled to start commercial operations in the second half of 2028.
The Glorit Solar Farm is expected to generate about 285 GWh of renewable energy each year and will connect to the existing Transpower 220 kV transmission network through a 2 km dedicated connection.
The project partners have also secured consent to build a DC-coupled 100 MW / 200 MWh battery energy storage system on site, enabling solar generation to be stored and dispatched when needed.
Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific at Lightsource bp, said the project will support New Zealand’s ambition to further increase the share of renewable electricity in its energy mix while maintaining energy security.
“The Glorit solar farm is bringing new renewable generation to market at pace, supporting increased demand while strengthening generation capacity in the upper North Island,” he said.
“Located close to key load centres and connected to a strong point on the national transmission network, the project provides strategic benefits for the evolving electricity system as new renewable supply is brought online.”
The Glorit solar farm is part of Lightsource bp’s 50:50 joint venture with Contact, established in 2022 to develop, construct and operate a grid-scale solar generation portfolio across New Zealand.
Under the agreement, the parties are developing multiple projects across New Zealand from which Contact, one of the country’s largest electricity generators and retailers, will purchase the solar electricity via long-term power purchase agreements.
Reaching financial close on the Glorit Solar Farm comes as the JV partners prepare to start the commissioning of the 150 MW Kōwhai Park Solar Farm on New Zealand’s South Island.
Contact said the last of almost 300,000 solar panels was recently installed at the project, being built at Christchurch International Airport, with the facility nearing energisation and on track to begin operations later this year.
“We are excited to move into hot commissioning in the coming weeks as grid availability comes online,” the company said. “Looking forward to seeing the project transition from construction to clean energy generation.”
Mike Fuge, Contact CEO, said the progress on the Kōwhai Park and Glorit solar farms are significant milestones in the acceleration of company’s strategy to decarbonise New Zealand through the development and delivery of renewable generation projects.
“Our vision is to lead the renewable energy future of New Zealand. We are investing and building at pace to support the critical energy infrastructure needed to support a more renewable, resilient and affordable energy future for the country,” he said.
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