Far North Solar Farm (FNSF), a New Zealand-based developer, has been granted resource consent to construct a 41MW solar farm near Marton in the country. The resource consent for the Marton solar farm was issued by the Rangitikei District Council, marking a significant milestone for the project.
The 38-hectare development represents FNSF's fifth consented solar farm in New Zealand, adding to its growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. Construction of the first farm in Pukenui is already underway, with another project in Edgecumbe slated to commence later this year. Additionally, FNSF has secured consent for two other solar farms in Waiotahe and Foxton.
Richard Homewood, Director of FNSF, expressed the company's commitment to advancing solar energy infrastructure in New Zealand. He stated, “The Marton solar farm is the first in our second tranche of developments to receive resource consent. We are actively engaging with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies and exploring construction options for the project, scheduled to commence in Q3 this year.”
FNSF's ambitious development portfolio comprises a total of 11 sites, which, once completed, will have a combined capacity of 1.4GW. This represents approximately 14.3% of New Zealand's current operational electricity production capacity, according to data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) in 2022.
The development of FNSF's solar farms is conducted in collaboration with Aquila Clean Energy Asia Pacific and is funded through a combination of equity and debt financing. Homewood emphasized the company's dedication to responsible solar development and its alignment with New Zealand's renewable energy objectives.
Homewood further stated, “In 2024, our focus remains on engaging with host communities and decision-makers to ensure the benefits of responsible solar development are fully realized. We are confident that our efforts will contribute to advancing New Zealand's transition to a 100% renewable electricity market.”
