Supporting New Zealand’s energy transition
The 150-megawatt solar array is an example of the acceleration of renewable energy development that’s happening across New Zealand and Australia. By shifting from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives like sunlight, we are working towards a future that meets energy demands sustainably.
Kōwhai Park Solar Farm was developed for Contact Energy and Lightsource bp, in collaboration with Christchurch International Airport and Orion. It is the first phase of Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct.
The electricity produced will help the Airport to achieve its electrification and decarbonisation goals. It is expected to generate 168MWp, which is equivalent to the annual electricity needs of around 36,000 New Zealand homes.
Beca provides the full range of consulting services to guide businesses through renewable energy projects and connecting them to the grid. On this project, we partnered with Ventia to design and deliver the two substations for the project, located at Pound Road and Grays Road.
“Our scope has included a full range of engineering services to support the delivery of the substations including Electrical (primary and secondary systems, protection, system studies and earthing design), Building Services, Structural, Architectural, Water, Survey, Planning, Environmental, Civil, Geotechnical and Fire engineering,” Project Director Ed Hughes says.
"Through this two-year project we’ve grown our relationship and are proud to support Contact Energy and Lightsource bp as they build renewable generation at scale. I'm equally proud of the outstanding Beca team whose expertise and collaboration helped bring this important project to life,” Beca General Manager – Energy Mark Jacob says.
“This has been a great partnership with Ventia and an opportunity for our technical specialists from New Zealand, Australia and Asia to contribute to a flagship renewable energy project,” Ed says.
Ventia General Manager Energy Networks and Renewables Craig MacDonald said that his team was proud to have played a role alongside partners in this critical renewable project.
"Kōwhai Park demonstrates what can be achieved when industry partners bring their expertise together behind a shared goal,” Craig says.
“For the local team here in Christchurch, it’s exciting to see green energy generation happening at scale, right next to the airport. Every time you fly into Christchurch you get an excellent view of the solar panels – there are around 300,000 of them. We’re really proud to have played a part in making it happen,” Ed says.
