Genesis and joint venture partner FRV Australia have celebrated the completion of Lauriston Solar Farm, the country’s largest solar farm to date, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
More than 90,000 solar panels on the 93ha site are now generating up to 100 GWh of electricity a year, enough to power nearly 13,000 households.
The $104 million, 63 MW solar farm is the first to be developed by Genesis as part of its commitment to build up to 500 MW of solar capacity throughout New Zealand.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for the South Island and MP for Rangitata James Meager, iwi representatives, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, EA Networks chief executive Onno Mulder, and representatives from Genesis, FRV Australia and construction company Beon.
Meager said the solar farm’s opening meant thousands of additional households, roughly equivalent to the size of Ashburton, were now powered by renewable energy.
“This project is an example of the types of joint ventures we want to see more of, having not required financial assistance from the government.”
Genesis chief executive Malcolm Johns said the opening was an important milestone in delivering the company’s longterm strategy, Gen35.
Solar had a clear role to play in the transition to the country’s energy becoming 95 per cent renewable by 2050.
FRV Australia chief executive Carlo Frigerio said the solar farm represented the company’s vision of building a sustainable future through innovative renewable solutions.
General manager of construction partner Beon Energy Solutions Kieren Lewis said the company was proud to contribute to New Zealand’s clean energy future while also supporting meaningful economic and social benefits.
About 100 people were employed during construction. The solar farm will continue to employ three people now it is operational, in addition to supporting local contractors and service and supply businesses.
Malcolm Johns of Genesis said the project provided knowledge now being deployed to other solar projects in Leeston, Edgecumbe and Foxton.
The project also saw the joint venture partners commit to a sponsorship agreement with nearby Lauriston School. Funding will be donated over the next five years to support education in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, underpinned by ma ¯tauranga Ma ¯ori).
Lauriston School board chair Craig Wiggins said the joint venture’s contribution to the school was more than financial.
“It’s a commitment to educational excellence and to the future of our tamariki. As neighbours, Genesis and FRV have set a high benchmark for innovation and enterprise – values that resonate strongly within our school community. We’re excited about the partnership ahead.”
