New Zealand’s Largest Solar Farm, Te Rāhui, Set to Begin Construction Near Taupō
Source: The DairyNews
Nova Energy is set to commence construction on what will be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, Te Rāhui, located near Taupō. The project, which received the final go-ahead following a comprehensive appeals process, will transform a 1022-hectare dairy farm into a substantial solar energy facility.
Te Rāhui, situated about 35km east of Taupō on State Highway 5, will feature approximately 900,000 ground-mounted solar panels. These panels are expected to generate enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes. The development is anticipated to start in the upcoming months, heralding a significant boost in local employment and renewable energy production.
Babu Bahirathan, chief executive of Nova Energy, outlined that the project will create hundreds of jobs during its construction phase and provide valuable training opportunities within the growing solar sector. “The site’s advantageous location on a 220kV grid connection, along with land and grid capacity, eventually aims to host a large grid-scale battery system to enhance grid security,” Bahirathan explained.
As the solar facility is established, the current dairy operations will be gradually phased out. In its place, sheep will be introduced to maintain the land, ensuring a sustainable balance between renewable energy production and agricultural practices.
Colin Guyton, Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupō provincial president, expressed a neutral stance on the development. While acknowledging some concerns about the loss of prime dairy land, he recognized the importance of advancing quality renewable energy sources. The project's proximity to the national grid and its alignment with renewable energy goals have marked it as a significant development for the region.
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas also welcomed the development, noting its potential to solidify the district's status as a key player in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector. “We now supply well over 20% of New Zealand’s renewable energy, and that’s good for everyone in the country,” Trewavas said.
Local businesses, including the Rangitāiki Tavern, anticipate economic benefits from the influx of construction workers and ongoing operations. Aaron Inwood, co-owner of the tavern, highlighted potential opportunities for local hospitality, including accommodation, meals, and more, during the construction phase.
Te Rāhui’s name, chosen by mana whenua, honors a revered ancestor and chief and reflects the traditional Māori practice of rāhui aimed at preservation and protection. Nova Energy has initiated a biodiversity protection and enhancement program at the site, focusing on wetlands and tributaries restoration.
Babu Bahirathan, chief executive of Nova Energy, outlined that the project will create hundreds of jobs during its construction phase and provide valuable training opportunities within the growing solar sector. “The site’s advantageous location on a 220kV grid connection, along with land and grid capacity, eventually aims to host a large grid-scale battery system to enhance grid security,” Bahirathan explained.
As the solar facility is established, the current dairy operations will be gradually phased out. In its place, sheep will be introduced to maintain the land, ensuring a sustainable balance between renewable energy production and agricultural practices.
Colin Guyton, Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupō provincial president, expressed a neutral stance on the development. While acknowledging some concerns about the loss of prime dairy land, he recognized the importance of advancing quality renewable energy sources. The project's proximity to the national grid and its alignment with renewable energy goals have marked it as a significant development for the region.
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas also welcomed the development, noting its potential to solidify the district's status as a key player in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector. “We now supply well over 20% of New Zealand’s renewable energy, and that’s good for everyone in the country,” Trewavas said.
Local businesses, including the Rangitāiki Tavern, anticipate economic benefits from the influx of construction workers and ongoing operations. Aaron Inwood, co-owner of the tavern, highlighted potential opportunities for local hospitality, including accommodation, meals, and more, during the construction phase.
Te Rāhui’s name, chosen by mana whenua, honors a revered ancestor and chief and reflects the traditional Māori practice of rāhui aimed at preservation and protection. Nova Energy has initiated a biodiversity protection and enhancement program at the site, focusing on wetlands and tributaries restoration.
