168 MWdc Solar Project Officially Opened at New Zealand

The South Island’s largest solar farm has officially opened in Christchurch adding 150 MWac (168 MWdc) of renewable generation capacity to New Zealand’s electricity system.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon opened Kōwhai Park today, marking a major milestone for the NZD273 million (US$154.8 million) renewable energy project. 

Developed through Contact Energy and Lightsource bp’s joint venture partnership, the Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport is expected to generate 275 GWh of renewable energy a year. That’s the equivalent to the annual electricity demand of around 36,000 homes.  

The solar farm is already supporting the electrification of New Zealand industry. Both Christchurch Airport and Synlait will source electricity from Kōwhai Park under long-term power purchase agreements. Synlait will buy 25 percent of the electricity generated to power its Dunsandel and Dairyworks sites.   

Around 300,000 solar panels stretch across the 230-hectare site at Christchurch International Airport, creating one of the country’s largest solar farms