Lodestone and Haldon Station team up for 220-MW solar power project

The project will begin construction in 2025.

New Zealand-based solar firm Lodestone Energy partnered with Haldon Station to develop a 220-megawatt (MW) solar project.

In a statement, Lodestone Energy said they have selected a 340-hectare land parcel which will account for only 1.5% of Haldon Station.

The area selected for solar power development has suffered from wind erosion due to dryness and pest infiltration but Lodestone found that it gas a top-quality solar resource and is near to a transmission infrastructure, with good road access and minimal visual impact.

The power plant’s construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. It could produce 340 gigawatt-hours of electricity per annum, which could meet the demands of nearly 50,000 homes.

“There’s increasing demand from commercial customers to have 100% renewable energy, which is helping the country move towards a zero-carbon future,” Gary Holden, Managing Director of Lodestone Energy, said.

“By diversifying our production and expanding into the South Island, we’re helping meet our customers’ needs, giving them an alternative power option and playing a key role in meeting zero carbon goals,” he added.