A solar farm near Foxton is the 32nd project and eighth renewable energy project to be granted Fast-track approval.
Genesis Energy lodged its application in February 2026, with approval taking around three and a half months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“The 220 MWp solar farm will generate approximately 345 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power approximately 47,000 homes,” said Chris Bishop.
“Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.
“New renewable energy projects approved through Fast-track will add more than 990 megawatts of new generation capacity. That’s more than five per cent of New Zealand’s current generation capacity and enough to power approximately 322,000 households annually.”
““The project will provide around 100 jobs during construction and contribute directly and indirectly to the local economy,” Shane Jones said.
“The project represents a major investment in the region and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand’s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.”
Simeon Brown said the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.
“Demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly as New Zealanders increasingly go electric in everything from their bikes to their businesses.
“This project will contribute to the Government’s goal of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050. Renewables were a record 96.5 per cent of electricity generation in the last three months of last year and more generation is required for a resilient and reliable electricity supply to underpin economic growth.
“Fast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of achieving that 2050 goal.”
Image credit: Evgeniy Alyoshin
