Hawke’s Bay Airport has launched an expression of interest (EOI) process to secure delivery and co-investment partners for a proposed 12 to 17 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar PV power plant on its 240-hectare site in New Zealand.
The North Island’s third-busiest airport plans to develop the renewable energy asset on a 24-hectare parcel of land situated northwest of its active runways, serving the broader Napier and Hastings region.
The airport operator intends to retain an equity stake to strengthen its long-term revenue base while returning financial benefits to local communities.
The project aims to establish an infrastructure foundation for a decarbonised aviation sector, which is projected to rely heavily on renewable electricity as a replacement for imported fossil fuels.
Beyond supporting sustainable aviation, the solar farm will feed directly into Unison’s local distribution network via a upgraded 33 kilovolt (kV) overhead line, boosting regional grid resilience and lowering power prices.
Hawke’s Bay Airport Limited (HBAL) is inviting proposals across two key categories, a delivery partner and a co-investment partner.
A delivery partner would be responsible for fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) achieving commercial operation dates backed by delay damages, along with a minimum two-year fixed-price operations and maintenance (O&M) contract.
A co-investment partner would provide equity funding alongside HBAL and also potentially arrange debt funding.
The EOI process marks the first stage of procurement, with initial submissions due by September 28. A shortlisted request for proposals stage will follow in early 2027.
Following final connection approvals expected in late 2026, the airport targets a final investment decision and construction kick-off in mid-2027.