Harmony Energy, First Renewables to develop New Zealand’s largest solar farm

The project is expected to be commissioned in 2026.

Harmony Energy Limited and First Renewables Limited, a part of New Zealand’s energy group Clarus, formed a joint venture to develop the Tauhei Solar Farm which is expected to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm.

In a statement, Harmony Energy said the project, expected to be completed in 2026 will have a capacity of 150 megawatt alternate current. It will be constructed over 182-hectare land near Te Aroha in North Island.

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The project will comprise around 330,000 solar panels which are capable of generating more than 270 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, which can meet the needs of around 35,000 households.

“The Tauhei Solar Farm will be a project that the Waikato and the whole of New Zealand can be proud of. It will support our ambitions to reduce emissions, enhance energy security and help mitigate the negative impact of climate change,” Harmony Energy Director Pete Grogan said.

“It will also create opportunities for local businesses, employment and significant biodiversity gains, as well as being able to generate energy alongside continued farming production,” he added.