Construction is set to begin on Hawke’s Bay’s first utility-scale solar farm this spring, with joint venture partners Centralines and Lodestone Energy confirming the $50 million project is moving into delivery.
Located on the Ruataniwha Plains of Central Hawke’s Bay, the solar farm will be a 31.5-megawatt peak (MWdc) development, comprising around 49,000 solar panels and generating approximately 50 GWh of renewable electricity each year – enough to power approximately 7,000 homes in the region. The farm is expected to be operational from late summer 2027.
With approvals secured and design finalised, the project will now move into construction, with preliminary works already under way on site.
A project built for the region
Once operational, the solar farm will feed electricity directly into the local Centralines network, increasing local generation and reducing reliance on distant sources of power. This embedded generation is expected to improve network efficiency over time and support a more resilient electricity system for Central Hawke’s Bay.
Through Centralines’ ownership stake, the project ensures long-term value remains connected to the local community, with returns supporting continued investment in regional electricity infrastructure.
Delivering long-term energy resilience
The solar farm is being developed at a time when energy resilience and security are front of mind for many New Zealanders. Projects like this will play a key role in strengthening the country’s renewable energy supply and supporting long-term affordability.
“Reaching the construction phase of our sixth solar farm is a significant milestone for Lodestone and our valued partner Centralines,” said Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden.
“Together, we’re bringing new renewable generation to Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with excellent solar resources but historically challenged by high electricity prices. This project will increase local energy supply, strengthen regional energy resilience, create opportunities for retail innovation, and deliver lasting value to Hawke’s Bay communities and businesses for decades to come.”
In preparation for construction, 49,000 high-efficiency 640 watt solar panels from supplier Trina Solar have already arrived in Napier ready for installation.
Partnership delivering for the future
The joint venture is a 50:50 agreement between Centralines and Lodestone, combining Centralines’ regional knowledge and community connection with Lodestone’s solar development expertise. The project reflects a shared commitment to long-term infrastructure that supports growth, electrification and sustainability.
Lodestone’s construction arm, will lead the engineering, procurement and construction of the solar farm. The project represents Lodestone’s sixth solar farm development in New Zealand, building on its established track record.
The project is expected to provide a boost to the regional economy, creating employment opportunities during construction and developing skills in a high-growth industry.
Centralines Chair Fenton Wilson said the project was an important step forward for the region and its energy future:
“This is an important step forward for Central Hawke’s Bay and for the future of our energy system. By investing in local generation, we’re strengthening the resilience of our network while ensuring the benefits of this development stay within our community.
“Our partnership with Lodestone brings together the right expertise and shared values to deliver a project that supports sustainable growth, improves energy outcomes for consumers, and helps position the region for the future.”
