Moa Creek Solar Farm

Status
Expected to lodge resource consent applications in the second half of 2026. 

Location
Poolburn 
Central Otago 

Max Capacity
225 MWac (estimate) 

Annual Output
490 GWh (estimate)

Size of Site
~630 hectares

Contact is proud to partner with Lightsource bp on the development of the proposed Moa Creek Solar Farm, located near Poolburn in Central Otago. The project forms part of Contact and Lightsource bp's 50/50 joint venture, which aims to develop, construct and operate solar farms across New Zealand. 

The proposed solar farm is expected to have a generation capacity of up to 225MWac and produce approximately 490GWh of renewable electricity each year. Once operational, it could generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of around 74,000 Kiwi homes. 

The project is being designed to include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling surplus daytime solar generation to be stored and dispatched during periods of higher electricity demand. It will connect to an existing 220kV transmission line via a new substation within the site.  

The project is currently in the early stages of design, layout and planning. As development progresses, Contact and Lightsource bp will continue engaging with mana whenua, local communities, landowners and other key stakeholders to help shape the project. 

Why solar?

Solar energy is part of our commitment to lead New Zealand’s renewable energy future, alongside wind and batteries.   

How it works

Solar is a passive form of technology, providing local and sustainable electricity that adds security to the world’s energy mix. This, combined with its affordability and reliability, makes it an ideal energy source. 

Each solar panel is made of cells, which convert the light energy from daylight into electrical energy. Daylight from the sun hits a negatively doped silicon layer which ‘excites’ electrons, effectively ‘removing’ them from their atoms. This creates a potential difference between the two layers of silicon and stimulates the flow of electrons. The flow generates Direct Current (DC) electricity. 

The benefits

Solar power is the world’s fastest growing source of new energy because it has the potential to meet many of the low-carbon challenges we are facing today. It is increasing in popularity because it is cost-competitive, versatile, quick to deploy and kind to our environment. 

• Renewable: Solar panels produce electricity by transforming the continuous flow of energy from the sun to electricity. 
• CO2 free: No harmful emissions are released into the air when electricity is produced. 
• Quick to deploy: Compared with gas or coal power stations that can take decades to develop, solar farms are relatively quick to deploy with construction lasting approximately 21 months. 
• Limited noise: Operates with minimal noise output. 
• Boosts biodiversity: Opportunities to enhance flora and fauna. 
• Local and clean generation: Lowering the local carbon footprint. 

About our partnership with Lightsource bp

In April 2022, Contact Energy and Lightsource bp formed a joint venture partnership to develop grid-scale solar generation projects in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Lightsource bp is a global leader in renewable energy and battery storage, and is active across 15 markets, including New Zealand.  

The 50/50 JV is aligned with our strategy to lead New Zealand’s renewable energy future through the development and delivery of renewable generation projects.