A proposed 12-17 MW solar farm, located 393 kilometres southeast of Auckland, is to be built on a 24-hectare parcel of airport land northwest of the runways, with estimated generation capability equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 3,000 Hawke’s Bay households, the Airport said.
Hawke’s Bay Airport Chief Executive Officer Nick Flack said the solar farm will enable the airport and the region’s sustainable growth.
“It will ensure we can continue to serve the changing needs of airlines flying people in and out of our region. And in the meantime, it will support our region’s transition to a more resilient energy future,” Flack said.
The EOI announcement follows a mutual decision by Hawke’s Bay Airport and gentailer Manawa Energy, now owned by Wellington-headquartered gentailer Contact Energy, not to pursue a much larger 45MW solar development.
“After exploring the options with Manawa, both parties agreed the best path forward was for the airport to continue developing plans for a smaller, fit-for-purpose solar farm that better aligns with our long-term requirements,” Flack said.
No final investment decision has been made for the proposed development, however feasibility work supports progressing the project to the EOI stage to inform the airport’s preferred delivery, ownership and investment model.
The work will happen over the next 12 months, alongside consenting, engineering, cultural and community engagement workstreams.
“An important part of this next phase is understanding the market’s appetite and capability, including construction delivery, operations and maintenance, and potential co-investment options,” Flack said.
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