The first row of solar panels, known in the industry as the “Golden Row,” has been installed at the Kowhai Park solar farm, marking a significant milestone in the construction of one of New Zealand’s largest solar energy projects.
Lightsource bp and Contact Energy are partnering with Christchurch Airport to deliver the Kowhai Park solar farm, which is being built on a 230-hectare site near the airport. This initiative is part of Christchurch Airport’s broader strategy to establish a dedicated renewable energy precinct and contribute to New Zealand’s national decarbonisation goals.
The Golden Row milestone signifies the full installation and quality testing of the first row of solar panels. With this phase complete and procedures validated, construction of the Kowhai Park solar farm will now proceed rapidly, repeating the installation process across thousands of rows. Once fully operational, the 168MWdc solar farm will generate enough clean energy to power over 36,000 homes annually.
The Kowhai Park solar farm is a testament to the commitment of all three partners toward creating a more sustainable future for New Zealand. This is the first joint project in the country between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy, combining global renewable energy expertise with local energy sector leadership to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
“We’re thrilled to see the progress at Kowhai Park solar farm – the first solar farm as part of our joint venture partnership. It demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through effective, strategic collaboration in advancing New Zealand’s renewable energy future,” said Mike Fuge, Contact Energy CEO.
Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Lightsource bp, added: “This is a significant moment for our team and our partners. We’re proud to be working with Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport to bring this project to life. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when industry leaders come together with a shared focus on delivering practical, long-term solutions for decarbonisation.”
As the Kowhai Park solar farm progresses, community engagement and stakeholder collaboration remain a priority. The project is designed to deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits to the local region and reinforce New Zealand’s position as a leader in renewable energy innovation.
