Australian and New Zealand renewable energy developer Anza Power will acquire two construction-ready solar projects in New Zealand’s North Island from local developer Helios Energy Hold LP.
The deal marks Anza’s first project acquisition in New Zealand since launching the platform in January, adding 205 MWac of consented solar generation and battery energy storage capacity to its regional pipeline.
The deal comprises the 110 MWac Karioi Solar Farm in the Ruapehu District and the 95 MWac Ongaonga Solar Farm in Central Hawke’s Bay. Combined, the facilities are projected to produce approximately 411,400 MWh of clean electricity annually, which is sufficient to power roughly 58,000 homes.
Both developments feature dual-use agricultural designs, allowing ongoing pastoral farming alongside renewable generation.
Karioi will maintain sheep and deer grazing alongside native vegetation plantings, while Ongaonga excludes high-productivity riverfront land to allow continued cattle grazing. Together, construction across both sites is expected to create around 150 local jobs.
Anza Power CEO Carlo Frigerio described the projects as well-located assets ready to progress into build phases.
“Karioi and Ongaonga are well located consented projects, ready to move into construction,” Frigerio said.
“Together they add 205 MWac to our New Zealand pipeline and bring us a step closer to the affordable, low-carbon generation the country needs.”
Helios Energy Managing Director Jeff Schlichting commended the transition, noting that Anza brings the necessary capability and long-term capital backing to progress both developments into full operations.
“It’s rewarding to hand over these projects to a partner with the capability and the long-term capital to build them,” he said.
“Anza gives both projects the strongest possible pathway to construction and operation.”
Anza holds a portfolio across Australia and New Zealand of roughly 1.5 GW of solar generation and 3.5 GWh of battery storage capacity.
The acquisitions complement its South Island assets in Canterbury, including the Somerton, Norwood, and Highfield solar projects.