Lodestone Energy, a prominent solar developer and power producer, has announced its proposal to construct a 220-megawatt solar park in New Zealand's picturesque South Island. The project, funded through a Series D capital raising initiative, marks a significant expansion for the company in the region.
Partnering with Haldon Station for execution, Lodestone Energy aims to situate the photovoltaic (PV) farm within a 340-hectare property in the Mackenzie district. Construction is slated to commence in 2025, with the facility expected to generate approximately 340 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, sufficient to power nearly 50,000 homes.
“We have identified a site with top-quality solar resources, proximity to transmission infrastructure, good road access, and minimal visual impact,” stated a spokesperson for Lodestone Energy.
The Haldon Station solar park represents a strategic addition to Lodestone's growing portfolio, which currently includes two operational solar farms in New Zealand's North Island, along with three projects in various stages of planning and construction. Earlier this year, the company secured consent for three additional PV projects on the South Island, scheduled for installation between 2024 and 2026.