Harmony Energy Solar Farm - Opunake

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

2022-130

Applicant

Harmony Energy NZ #4 Limited

Project summary

To construct and operate a solar farm on an approximately 151-hectare site and to connect to and supply electricity to the national grid. The solar farm will have an output of approximately 94 megawatts peak. The solar farm will comprise: 

  • approximately 142,650 solar panels, occupying approximately 58 hectares 
  • arrays and mounting structures, inverter cabinets, and associated infrastructure 
  • 26 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 
  • restoration and planting of wetlands and riparian margins of the Otahi Stream.

Location

915 Ihaia Road, Opunake, Taranaki.

Reasons for decision

The project will:

  • generate employment by creating approximately 179-286 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, 895 KB]