Meridian Energy, a state-owned energy company in New Zealand, has received approval to develop a 120 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Tai Tokerau Northland. The Ruakākā Solar Farm, featuring 250,000 solar panels, is expected to generate between 150 and 250 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually.
The project remains subject to an appeal period and a final investment decision from the Meridian Board, anticipated by the end of the year. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with completion expected by late 2026.
Rebecca Knott, head of renewable development at Meridian Energy, emphasized the importance of this project for the region. “With the bulk of New Zealand's electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and North Island south of Auckland, we're proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau,” Knott stated, noting that the project would enhance Northland's energy resilience.
The solar farm is part of the broader Ruakākā Energy Park, which also includes a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The BESS, currently in the advanced stages of construction, is expected to be completed by early 2025. The system, provided by Saft, will help manage energy supply through energy arbitrage, frequency regulation, and network capacity improvements.
