The South Island's largest solar farm has officially opened in Christchurch adding 150MWac (168MWdc) of renewable generation capacity to New Zealand’s electricity system.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon opened Kōwhai Park today, marking a major milestone for the $273 million renewable energy project.

Developed through Contact Energy and Lightsource bp’s joint venture partnership, the Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport is expected to generate 275GWh of renewable energy a year. That’s the equivalent to the annual electricity demand of around 36,000 homes.

The solar farm is already supporting the electrification of New Zealand industry. Both Christchurch Airport and Synlait will source electricity from Kōwhai Park under long-term power purchase agreements. Synlait will buy 25 percent of the electricity generated to power its Dunsandel and Dairyworks sites. 

Around 300,000 solar panels stretch across the 230-hectare site at Christchurch International Airport, creating one of the country’s largest solar farms.

Contact CEO Mike Fuge says the Kōwhai Park solar farm demonstrates the opportunity renewable energy presents for New Zealand.

“New Zealand has an incredible renewable energy advantage. Building new generation at scale gives businesses the confidence to electrify and strengthens our security of supply. That means a more resilient energy system, with more home-grown generation supporting a productive and prosperous New Zealand.

“Kōwhai Park is our first completed solar farm, and we have another two consented sites in Taranaki and Northland in joint venture with Lightsource bp.

“We have huge aspirations for what renewable energy can deliver for this country.”

Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Lightsource bp, comments: “Kōwhai Park is an important milestone for Lightsource bp as our first completed project in New Zealand. We are excited to bring our global experience and capability to this market and work with Contact Energy to deliver low-cost and reliable large-scale renewable energy projects.

“It also demonstrates what strong partnerships can deliver. Working alongside Contact Energy, Christchurch Airport, local businesses and the wider community, we have combined international capability with local knowledge to deliver a project that will provide renewable energy for decades to come.

“We see significant opportunity for large-scale renewables to support New Zealand’s growing electricity needs, industrial electrification and long-term energy security. Kōwhai Park demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved, and we look forward to building on that momentum across New Zealand.”

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says: “Kōwhai Park shows what can happen when you think differently about how airport land can be used. The vision started here at Christchurch Airport and bringing Contact Energy and Lightsource bp together to help realise it has been a fantastic example of what strong partnerships can achieve.

“For us, this has always been about more than a solar farm. Our vision for Kōwhai Park is to create a renewable energy precinct that can support new opportunities and deliver long-term value for our region.

“Seeing the solar farm operating today is a significant step towards that vision and something we’re incredibly proud to have delivered together.”

Construction has also delivered significant local economic benefits, with 235 people employed at the project's peak and 66 Canterbury businesses involved in helping to build the solar farm.

About Kōwhai Park Solar Farm

• Expected to generate 275GWh a year, equivalent to the annual electricity demand of around 36,000 homes.
• Around 300,000 panels.
• $273 million investment.
• 150MWac/168MWdc of renewable generation capacity.
• 235 people employed at the project’s peak construction
• 66 Canterbury businesses involved
• December 2021: Christchurch Airport announced Kōwhai Park with phase one planned as a 150MW solar array
• February 2023: Contact and Lightsource bp announced as partners to develop and operate the solar farm
• August 2026: commissioning began
• October 2026: official opening