Lodestone welcomes positive Fast-track decision for Haldon Solar Farm
MEDIA RELEASE:
Lodestone has welcomed the release of a positive decision under the Fast-track Approvals Act process for its proposed Haldon Solar Farm, marking a significant milestone for one of New Zealand’s largest solar developments.
The decision, in final draft form, follows six months of detailed assessment by the Fast-track Panel, including a thorough examination of the project’s environmental, ecological, engineering and planning matters.
Lodestone Managing Director Gary Holden said the draft decision reflects the important role the Panel plays in ensuring projects of this magnitude and scale can be tailored to integrate with sensitive environments.
“The positive draft decision recognises that renewable energy development and environmental stewardship can be delivered together. Throughout the process we have worked closely with the Panel, mana whenua and technical experts to design a project that respects the unique values of the Mackenzie Basin while delivering nationally significant renewable generation.”
Located near the Benmore HVDC connection, the Haldon Solar Farm is ideally positioned to deliver renewable electricity into both the South and North Island electricity systems. The solar farm will generate approximately 370 GWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to power 45,000 households. It will also complement New Zealand’s hydro generation during daylight hours and help preserve long-term hydro storage during dry years.
“We recognise that this project will become part of the landscape for generations to come, and so we are committed to delivering a project with the highest standard of care. This includes an extensive package of conservation initiatives proposed by Lodestone and the Haldon Station management team. It is expected that this project will set the new standard for how landowners, generation companies and regulators can deliver legacy outcomes.” Holden said.
Haldon Station is one of New Zealand’s premier high-country stations, renowned for breeding top-quality livestock while carefully stewarding its sensitive dryland environment.
Haldon Station Managing Director, Paddy Boyd said “We see ourselves not as owners, but as caretakers of this beautiful landscape. From the outset, we have wanted to ensure that we could not only produce renewable energy here but do so while protecting the unique landscape. We look forward to continuing to work alongside mana whenua, regulators and the community as the project progresses.”
The project is expected to make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s future electricity supply.
Holden adds, “Our vision is to develop a solar farm in every community where we can add value and bring generation closer to customers. Adding Haldon Solar Farm to our fleet strengthens the wholesale electricity market and accelerates the reduction of carbon and fossil fuel costs. This combination will enhance our ability to provide competitive alternatives for all consumer segments.”
Planned upgrades to the HVDC link will further strengthen the ability for renewable generation from the South Island to supply demand in the North Island.
The draft decision is now subject to the final stages of the Fast-track Approvals Act process before a final decision is issued.
Established in 2019, Lodestone has grown into New Zealand’s leading independent utility-scale solar developer and an integrated electricity generator and retailer. Since 2023, the company has commissioned four solar farms, with the fifth to be soon to be commissioned and construction underway on its sixth in Central Hawke’s Bay. Lodestone is developing a nationwide pipeline of projects to support New Zealand’s transition to a more resilient, low-carbon electricity system.