Waiterimu 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

2022-098

Applicant

Waikato Solar Farms Limited and Transpower New Zealand Limited

Project summary

To construct and operate a solar farm on a 380-hectare site and to connect it to the national electricity grid. The solar farm will have an approximate output of 140-Megawatt peak, and will comprise:

  • approximately 225,000 solar panels up to approximately 3.5 metres high and, occupying approximately 63 hectares
  • inverter cabinets, arrays, mounting structures, motors and poles to support the panels 
  • a substation and transmission line to connect to the national grid 
  • an energy storage facility 
  • underground electricity cables 
  • ancillary buildings, structures and infrastructure (including roads, fencing, security lighting and for connection to existing overhead electricity lines) 
  • landscaping including planting and enhancement of wetlands and streams.

Location

Approximately 380-hectare site at 304 and 345 Waiterimu Road, Waiterimu, Waikato.

Reasons for decision

The project will:

  • help to achieve the purpose of the Act
  • generate employment by creating 105-127 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs over a 15–18-month construction period and approximately 15 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
  • likely progress faster than would otherwise be the case under standard Resource Management Act 1991 consenting processes.

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, 5 MB]

Proactive release of application and decision documents

All supporting documents