Ōpunake Solar Farm

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

2023-138

Applicant

Energy Farm Limited

Project summary

To construct and operate a solar farm on an approximately 188-hectare site and to connect to and supply electricity to the national grid via existing 33kV Powerco Limited transmission lines. The solar farm will have an output of approximately 80-110 peak megawatts peak and comprise:

  • approximately 152,000 solar panels occupying approximately 180 hectares
  • arrays and mounting structures, inverter cabinets, and associated infrastructure
  • 11 inverter stations, one substation and a battery storage facility
  • ancillary buildings, structures and infrastructure (including an energy storage facility, roads, access and other infrastructure) 
  • underground electricity cables, including within the Upper Kina Road road reserve
  • enhancement of streams and natural inland wetlands.

Location

574 and 575 Upper Kina Road, Ōpunake, Taranaki.

Referred projects order

Schedule 101 to the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Order 2020 [New Zealand Legislation website]

Reasons for decision

The project will:

  • generate employment by creating approximately 306 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs over a 24- month construction period and approximately 54 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, 825 KB]

Proactive release of application and decision documents

All supporting documents