New Zealand: Studies launched for a 115 MWp solar farm

Bison Energy begins feasibility studies for the Norwood solar farm, a 115 MWp project in the Canterbury region. This development marks a key step in the expansion of large-scale solar power in New Zealand.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

New Zealand continues to diversify its energy sources with major investments in solar power. The launch of feasibility studies for the Norwood solar farm, a 115 MWp project located in the Canterbury region, marks an important milestone in this dynamic.
The project, located near Christchurch, is part of a wider energy transition strategy aimed at boosting renewable electricity generation.
Norwood, with a capacity of 100 MWac, is based on the existing infrastructure of TransPower and Orion.
The co-location of the solar farm with the recently completed NorwoodGXP station will enable faster connection to the power grid.
This facilitated connection optimizes commissioning times and reduces grid integration costs.

Geotechnical studies and feasibility tests

The first stages of the project include a series of in-depth geotechnical studies, supervised by specialists in the field.
These tests are carried out to ensure that the site is suitable for the construction of the solar farm, particularly with regard to soil stability.
The studies analyze the characteristics of the terrain to ensure the viability of the foundations required to install the tracker solar panels.
In recent weeks, strength tests for the panel foundations have been carried out at the nearby Somerton solar farm.
This 35 MWp site serves as a reference for Bison Energy’s new projects in the Canterbury area.
The results of these tests will provide valuable data on the structural constraints associated with setting up large-scale solar farms in this part of the country.

Solar market dynamics in New Zealand

The growth of solar energy in New Zealand is directly supported by a series of measures and investments, both public and private.
Although historically dominated by hydroelectricity, the country sees solar power as an opportunity to diversify its energy mix.
This diversification has become essential to meet the growing demand for electricity and to achieve the country’s decarbonization objectives.
The acceleration of large-scale solar projects like Norwood is part of a wider regional trend.
New Zealand is seeking to offset rising emissions from its extractive sectors, notably oil, by developing renewable sources.
The addition of massive solar farms is a response to the growing demand for renewable energy, particularly in highly industrialized areas.

Prospects and challenges of the energy transition

The development of the Norwood solar farm is just one of several similar projects in New Zealand.
Other solar farms, with capacities in excess of 100 MW, are already in the development phase, strengthening the country’s position in the renewable energy market.
The Canterbury region, in particular, offers significant potential for solar expansion, thanks to its favorable sunshine conditions and proximity to existing electricity infrastructures.
However, the proliferation of large-scale solar projects poses challenges in terms of grid integration.
Industry players need to adapt infrastructures to ensure optimal distribution of the electricity generated.
The co-location of projects like Norwood with existing infrastructures, such as the NorwoodGXP station, illustrates a pragmatic approach to maximizing the efficiency of these new investments.

A rapidly evolving sector

New Zealand is gradually establishing itself as a key regional player in the field of renewable energies.
Solar companies, with projects such as Norwood, are playing an active role in modernizing the country’s energy landscape.
The alignment of public and private initiatives is strengthening the attractiveness of the New Zealand market for international investment in energy infrastructure.
The development of massive solar farms is part of a national strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while increasing electricity production capacity.
This type of project also meets the growing demand from manufacturers and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, while ensuring a stable energy supply.

Westbrooke Real et son partenaire CVE South Africa ont racheté un portefeuille solaire couvrant 91 stations Shell en Afrique du Sud, marquant un transfert d’actifs majeur dans le secteur énergétique local.
The commissioning of the 195 MW Springbok plant introduces the continent’s first utility-scale multi-buyer model, reinforcing the growth of power wheeling in South Africa.
The consortium led by Engie and Masdar has been selected to develop a 1.5 GW photovoltaic plant in Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding the emirate’s solar capacity under its long-term energy strategy.
T1 Energy invests in private solar cell manufacturer Talon PV to support industrial expansion of the U.S. solar sector and address rising grid demand.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reviewing a loan for a 100 MW photovoltaic project led by Qair in Tunisia, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with the national utility.
French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
Geronimo Power celebrated the near completion of its 125 MW solar farm in Jackson County, marking a major step for the local economy and regional power grid.
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska has received the Final Operational Notification for its Zwartowo photovoltaic facility, marking a key regulatory milestone in the development of large-scale solar projects in Poland.
H.E Energy will develop 100 low-voltage solar facilities totalling 10MWDC in Hokkaido for SMFL Mirai Partners, with commissioning scheduled by June 2026.
Hokkaido Gas has launched a 2MW solar power plant in Kamishihoro, with an expected annual output of 4.4GWh to be distributed locally through energy supplier Karch.
Sembcorp Industries has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 300-megawatt solar plant in India, boosting its renewable energy footprint to a total capacity of 6.9 gigawatts.
Spanish solar energy producers have recorded 693 hours of zero or negative prices since January, already matching the total for the previous year, raising concerns about the sector’s profitability and market stability.
Mars signs a major contract with GoldenPeaks Capital to develop over 100 solar plants in Poland, aiming to power its European operations and supply chain with renewable electricity.
Doral Renewables has signed a power purchase agreement for 75% of the output from its Cold Creek Solar project, expanding its contracted portfolio to over 1.6 GW nationwide.
SNCF Voyageurs secures direct solar electricity supply from two plants owned by Octopus Energy and BayWa r.e., through 25-year agreements aimed at powering its rail network.
The end of China's VAT rebate and reduced output bring an end to eighteen months of historically low prices in solar and storage sectors.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has shortlisted several companies for Phase III of the Al Dibdibah solar plant, with a net capacity of 500 MW.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to examine compensation claims by ACME Solar and AMPIN Energy, citing losses caused by non-operational transmission lines.
Waaree Energies has activated a new 950 MW photovoltaic module production line in Degam, strengthening its industrial investment programme in western India.
India opens a new rooftop solar tender phase, offering 3,640 kW under the RESCO model, with a pre-bid meeting held online on October 6 by Solar Energy Corporation of India.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.