Meridian Energy to build 120MW solar farm near Palmerston North
Meridian Energy, New Zealand's largest electricity generator, will build a 120-megawatt solar farm near Palmerston North. The Bunnythorpe site will sit alongside an already consented battery energy storage system. The project marks a notable expansion of the country's renewable generation capacity.
Meridian Energy has announced plans to add another major piece to New Zealand's renewable build-out, choosing a site near Palmerston North on the North Island for a 120-megawatt solar farm. The project at Bunnythorpe will sit alongside an already consented 100-megawatt battery energy storage system.
According to RNZ Business, the investment is part of New Zealand's plan to reach net-zero electricity generation by 2030. Meridian is focused on diversifying its hydropower-heavy portfolio with solar and battery assets. The company said the project will produce enough electricity to power roughly 40,000 households a year.
The North Island grid is in a sensitive position on prices because of last year's fuel crisis. The government welcomed the investment as a major domestically funded renewable project. Construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with full commissioning scheduled for the first half of 2028.
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