This project, the second phase of the Ruakākā Energy Park, will feature up to 250,000 solar panels, producing 150 to 200 GWh of electricity annually—enough to power more than half of Northland’s households.
Rebecca Knott, Meridian’s Head of Renewable Development, highlighted the project’s role in reducing Northland’s reliance on electricity generated from other regions.
“With the bulk of New Zealand’s electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and the North Island below Auckland, we’re proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau,” Knott said.
The solar farm is part of the larger Ruakākā Energy Park, which also includes a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) currently under construction and expected to be completed by early 2025.
Together, these projects will boost energy resilience in Northland and contribute to New Zealand’s renewable energy goals.
“The Ruakākā Energy Park is one of several renewable energy developments Meridian has underway to improve the security of electricity supply and help create a low-carbon future for all Kiwis,” Knott noted.
Meridian is committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity and storage, backed by a $3b investment through to 2030.
Construction on the Ruakākā Solar Farm is expected to begin in early 2025 and be completed by late 2026, subject to the appeal period.
