Construction is set to begin this spring on Hawke’s Bay’s first utility-scale solar farm, located on the Ruataniwha Plains of Central Hawke’s Bay.
Joint venture partners CHB consumer-owned Centralines and Lodestone Energy confirmed the $50 million project is moving into delivery, with the farm is expected to be operational from late summer 2027.
The solar farm will be a 31.5-megawatt peak (MWdc) development, comprising around 49,000 solar panels and generating approximately 50 GWh of renewable electricity each year – enough to power approximately 7,000 homes in the region.
With approvals secured and design finalised, the project will now move into construction, with preliminary works already under way on site.
Once operational, the solar farm will feed electricity directly into the local Centralines network, increasing local generation and reducing reliance on distant sources of power. This embedded generation is expected to improve network efficiency over time and support a more resilient electricity system for Central Hawke’s Bay.
The joint venture is a 50:50 agreement between Centralines and Lodestone. Through Centralines’ ownership stake, the project ensures long-term value remains connected to the local community, with returns supporting continued investment in regional electricity infrastructure.
Centralines Chair Fenton Wilson said the project was an important step forward for the region and its energy future: “This is an important step forward for Central Hawke’s Bay and for the future of our energy system. By investing in local generation, we’re strengthening the resilience of our network while ensuring the benefits of this development stay within our community.”
The project is expected to provide a boost to the regional economy, creating employment opportunities during construction and developing skills in a high-growth industry.
“Reaching the construction phase of our sixth solar farm is a significant milestone for Lodestone and our valued partner Centralines,” said Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden.
“Together, we’re bringing new renewable generation to Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with excellent solar resources but historically challenged by high electricity prices. This project will increase local energy supply, strengthen regional energy resilience, create opportunities for retail innovation, and deliver lasting value to Hawke’s Bay communities and businesses for decades to come.”
In preparation for construction, 49,000 high-efficiency 640 watt solar panels from supplier Trina Solar have already arrived in Napier ready for installation. Lodestone’s construction arm will lead the engineering, procurement and construction of the solar farm. The project represents Lodestone’s sixth solar farm development in New Zealand, building on its established track record.
