Kōwhai Park Solar Farm
Together, Contact and Lightsource bp are proud to have been chosen to develop phase one of Kōwhai Park, a renewable energy precinct at Christchurch Airport, and subject to a successful investment decision; will build, own and operate the Kōwhai Park Solar Farm in partnership with Christchurch Airport.
The solar farm will span around 300-hectares on land just behind the airport’s runways and will be considered to be among the largest in New Zealand. The expected 150MW (or 170MWp) array will generate 290 GWh per year. This is equivalent to the annual demand of approximately 36,000 homes or approximately half of Christchurch’s domestic flights being converted to low-emission technologies. It will have the same carbon benefit as planting around 1.25 million native trees and shrubs.
Both Contact and Lightsource bp have a proven track record of renewable energy project delivery and will work closely with Christchurch Airport to bring this project to life.
Kōwhai Park is the first of a number of planned solar farms for the Lightsource bp and Contact Energy partnership in New Zealand.
Following final investment decision, we expect construction to begin in 2024.
Watch a video about the Kōwhai Park Solar Farm below.
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 12 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 decarbonize Aotearoa through the development and delivery of renewable generation projects.
The details:
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Capacity: 150MW (170MWp)
Annual generation: ~290 GWh p.a.
Energy type: Solar
Construction: Expected to begin in 2024 (subject to a final investment decision).
EPC Contractor: TBC