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Contact Energy, a New Zealand-based energy company, and Lightsource bp have officially opened the 150 MWac (168 MWdc) Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport, New Zealand. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon inaugurated the $273 million project in October 2026. Developed through a joint venture, the facility is the largest solar farm in New Zealand’s South Island. It is expected to generate 275 GWh of electricity annually, enough to supply approximately 36,000 homes. The project covers 230 hectares and comprises around 300,000 solar panels. Christchurch Airport and Synlait have secured electricity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). Synlait will purchase 25% of the output for its Dunsandel and Dairyworks facilities. Construction employed 235 workers at its peak and involved 66 Canterbury businesses. Commissioning began in August 2026. The facility is the first completed solar project in New Zealand for both Contact Energy and Lightsource bp.
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