Harmony Energy Solar Farm - Carterton

This project has been referred to an expert consenting panel for fast-track consenting under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting Act 2020).

Last updated:

Project ID

2022-146

Applicant

Harmony Energy NZ #2 Limited

Project summary

To construct and operate a solar farm on an approximately 218-hectare site and to connect to and supply electricity to the national grid via the Hughes Line and Cornwall Road legal road reserves. The solar farm will have an output of approximately 133 megawatts peak. The solar farm will comprise: 

  • approximately 201,500 solar panels, occupying approximately 148 hectares 
  • arrays and mounting structures, inverter cabinets, and associated infrastructure 
  • 32 medium voltage power stations, two substations, one transformer and transmission line to connect to the national grid  
  • ancillary buildings, structures and infrastructure (including a storage building, roads, access, security fencing, CCTV poles and other infrastructure) 
  • underground electricity cables, including within road reserve to connect to the Transpower substation at 113 Cornwall Road, Carterton 
  • restoration and planting of riparian areas of the Waikoukou Stream and an unnamed stream. 

Location

271 Perrys Road, 510 Hughes Line and 303 East Taratahi Road, Carterton.

Reasons for decision

The project will:

  • generate employment by creating approximately 202-303 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs over a 12-18 month construction period and approximately 5 ongoing FTE jobs  
  • provide infrastructure that will contribute to improving economic and employment outcomes   
  • contribute to New Zealand’s efforts to mitigate climate change and transition more quickly to a low emissions economy by increasing New Zealand’s renewable energy generation 
  • progress faster than would otherwise be the case under standard Resource Management Act 1991 process. 

Any actual and potential effects on the environment, and proposed measures to avoid, remedy, mitigate, offset, or compensate for any adverse effects, can be appropriately tested by an expert consenting panel against Part 2 of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the purpose of the Act.

Section 17 report

Section 17 report [PDF, 1 MB]