Lodestone Energy has started construction on Hawke’s Bay’s first utility-scale solar farm, marked by a traditional site blessing and ceremonial groundbreaking in Ongaonga.
The project, developed as a joint venture between consumer-owned lines business Centralines and Lodestone Energy, marks a significant step forward in boosting regional energy security across New Zealand’s North Island.
Slated to become operational by autumn 2027, the large-scale development will feature approximately 49,000 solar panels across the site.
Once fully commissioned, it is projected to generate roughly 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity each year, sufficient to power around 7,000 local households.
The electricity generated at the facility will feed directly into the local Centralines distribution network, increasing locally produced green power close to where it is consumed.
Centralines Chair Fenton Wilson described the occasion as an important milestone that delivers long-term benefits to the region, emphasising that as a consumer-owned network, the focus remains on driving network resilience, enabling future economic growth, and offering competitive pricing for local customers.
“This project represents a long-term investment in the future of our region. As a consumer-owned lines company, we are focused on supporting energy resilience, enabling future growth and helping deliver lasting value and competitive pricing options for our consumers,” Wilson said.
Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden praised the strong partnerships underpinning the development, adding that the solar farm aligns with national efforts to accelerate renewable generation while offering innovative pricing plans to help smooth out energy bills for Hawke’s Bay residents.
Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea representative Brian Morris commended the collaborative approach taken by the developers, highlighting the importance of respecting the land while creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
With earthworks and civil construction now under way, work on site will continue over the next 12 months as Central Hawke’s Bay prepares to integrate utility-scale solar into its regional energy grid.