Harmony Energy teams up with Clarus to deliver 150-MW NZ solar park

UK-based renewable energy infrastructure developer Harmony Energy Ltd has formed a joint venture with First Renewables Ltd, part of New Zealand energy company Clarus, previously Firstgas Group, to deliver a 150-MW solar farm in New Zealand.

The parties said today they have joined forces to develop and own the Tauhei solar farm, which is expected to become the country’s largest solar farm when commissioned in 2026.

The project, located near Te Aroha in the North Island, is projected to generate over 270 GWh per year, equivalent to the needs of 35,000 New Zealand homes. It was eligible for fast-track consenting via the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-Track Consenting) Act 2020 and achieved consent in October 2022.

Harmony Energy previously reported the receipt of permit for the project from New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Subject to regulatory approvals, a final investment decision is expected later this year, to be followed by a start of construction.

James Irvine, Clarus GM Future Fuels, said the project aligns with Clarus’ commitment to contribute to the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s energy system.

According to Irvine, “[u]tility-scale solar generation presents a significant, complimentary, and largely untapped source of renewable energy in New Zealand, as proven in many markets overseas.”

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