Genesis gives green light for 70 MW solar farm in New Zealand’s south

Genesis Energy has reached final investment decision on the $103 million (NZD 125 million) Leeston Solar Farm being developed on New Zealand’s South Island, giving the green light for the start of construction.

The 70 MWp solar farm, to be built on a leased 111-hectare site in the Canterbury region, is to comprise approximately 74,000 solar panels and once operational will generate about 110 GWh of renewable electricity each year. The developer said the owner of the site may also continue grazing sheep on the property once the solar farm is operational.

Genesis, majority owned by the New Zealand government, said reaching financial close on the Leeston project is the latest step in delivering on the company’s long-term growth strategy which includes plans to invest $1.82 billion (NZD 2.2 billion) in new renewable generation – including up to 500 MW of solar – and battery energy storage by 2032.

Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman said this commitment will support growing demand from the company’s nearly 500,000 customers and strengthen security of electricity supply as New Zealand transitions to a lower-emissions energy future.

“Leeston is another step forward for our solar program,” she said. “We’re excited to start building, adding to a pipeline of new renewable generation for New Zealand’s future.”

Leeston is one of five solar projects Genesis has operating or under development. The company’s first solar farm, the 47 MW Lauriston project on the South Island, a joint venture with FRV Australia, began generating in 2025. Construction has commenced at the 117 MW Tihori solar farm on the nation’s North Island, while a 271 MW project near Rangiriri in the Waikato is progressing towards final investment decision. The 220 MW Foxton Solar Farm planned for the South Island was recently granted approval under the government’s  fast-track approvals process.

Hickman said the projects reflect the growing role solar generation is playing in Genesis’ future generation mix and investment plans.

“With each new project we’re turning more of New Zealand’s sunshine into renewable electricity and expanding the role solar can play in powering homes, businesses and communities,” she said, adding that the solar plants are adding value to the grid-scale batteries the utility is building at Huntly Power Station.

“We can capture electricity generated when the sun is shining and demand is lower and store it in our batteries to discharge when it’s most needed during morning and evening demand peaks,” she said.

Commissioning of the first 100 MW / 200 MWh stage  of the Huntly battery energy storage system is now underway with the asset due to be fully operational by the end of September 2026. Genesis recently announced final investment decision on the second 100 MW / 200 MWh stage, with construction expected to commence early next year. The second stage of the battery is expected to be operational by late 2028.