Glorit Solar Farm
Contact and Lightsource bp are proud to partner in the development of Glorit Solar Farm, a renewable energy project on the Kaipara Coast, north of Kaukapakapa, Auckland.
This is part of Contact’s 50/50 joint venture with Lightsource bp to develop, construct and operate new solar farms across New Zealand.
The expected capacity for Glorit Solar Farm is 160MWdc, generating 260GWh of renewable energy each year. This is equivalent to the annual demand of approximately 33,000 homes.
Transpower is closely involved in the planning process on the grid connection point for the solar farm. It will connect to the existing Transpower 220kV transmission network through a 2km connection from the site to the transmission network.
The project is still in the early stages of designing and planning. As the project progresses, the community and key stakeholders will continue to be engaged with.
We expect construction to start mid 2025(subject to final investment decision).
Why solar?
On our mission to decarbonise Aotearoa, we need to ensure our portfolio of renewable energy is robust and diverse. We’re excited to add solar power as part of our portfolio for renewable electricity for the first time.
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 a 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 & 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 the development and management of solar energy infrastructure, active across 19 global regions, including Australia. Founded in 2010, LSbp is now a 50/50 joint venture with energy company bp, and was created to provide sustainable and affordable power to businesses and communities across the world.
The 50/50 JV is aligned with our strategy to decarbonise Aotearoa through the development and delivery of renewable generation projects.
The details:
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Capacity: 160MWdc
- Annual generation: 260GWh p.a.
- Energy type: Solar
- Construction: Expected to begin mid 2025.