Genesis Energy and FRV Australia begin construction of 63 MW solar farm

The project could provide power to nearly 13,000 houses.

Genesis Energy and its joint venture partner FRV Australia have started the construction of a 63-megawatt (MW) solar farm at Lauriston on the Canterbury Plains and are expected to start operations by the end of 2024.

In a statement, Genesis Energy said the solar farm will be developed on a 93-hectare site and could power nearly 13,000 houses.

The project’s development would cost around $61.8m (NZ$104m) and could provide over 50 job opportunities during the construction phase and three full-time jobs once operational.

Genesis Energy will offtake all the renewable energy from the site under a 10-year power purchase agreement.

“Once completed, Lauriston solar farm will be the largest solar farm in New Zealand. This project demonstrates our pioneering spirit in leading sustainable energy transitions in new markets,” FRV Australia CEO Carlo Frigerio.

The joint venture is also looking into three North Island sites with a total capacity of 400 MW.

$1 = NZ$1.68