Lightsource BP secured US$ 166 million of financing on its 168MWdc Kōwhai Park solar project

Lightsource BP has secured NZ$ 267 million (US$ 166 million) of financing on its 168 MWdc Kōwhai Park solar project located in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The project is being developed in collaboration with Contact as the initial phase of Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park. CHINTEC has been contracted for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the solar farm, while Ventia will handle the network connection infrastructure. Financing has been secured from Westpac New Zealand, Mizuho, China Construction Bank, and Intesa Sanpaolo.

Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with commercial operations expected by 2026. Upon completion, the Kōwhai Park solar farm, with around 300,000 solar panels, will generate over 275 GWh annually, meeting the energy needs of approximately 36,000 homes.