The New Zealand government has introduced the Fast Track Approval Bill, which encompasses ten solar PV projects set to receive accelerated support for their advancement.

Unveiled earlier this week (6th October), the Bill encompasses 149 initiatives aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy, resolving its housing challenges, enhancing energy stability, and tackling crucial infrastructure shortcomings.

Among the 149 projects chosen for participation in this expedited program, 22 were specifically allocated to renewable energy. Ten of these projects were centered on solar PV, with notable mentions including various utility-scale solar PV facilities such as the 420MW Point Solar Farm located in Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island, and a 220MW solar PV initiative presented by Lodestone Energy at Haldon Station, also in Canterbury.

In Canterbury, the 88MW Balmoral Station solar array and the Black Point solar PV power plant have been incorporated into the Bill for expedited processing. Additionally, the 76MW Wellsford solar PV project in Auckland has been included in the Bill as well.

In the Waikato region of the upper North Island, the Rotokawa solar PV project by Tauhara North No.2 Trust has been included in the Bill. Additionally, the Foxton project by SolarGen, situated in Manawat-Whanganui in the southern part of New Zealand’s North Island, has also been incorporated.

The fast-track Bill has included three projects by UK-based developer Harmoney Energy. These projects consist of the Hinuera Solar Farm in Waikato, the 26MW Bunnythorpe Solar Farm in Manawat-Whanganui, and the Huirangi Solar Farm in Taranaki, located on the western side of New Zealand’s North Island.

New Zealand’s Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Bishop, stated that the combined renewable energy projects, including solar PV, are expected to generate an extra 3GW of capacity for the country.

Bishop emphasized, “The 22 renewable energy projects will contribute to electrifying the New Zealand economy, enhancing energy security, and supporting New Zealand in achieving its climate change objectives.”

“Despite New Zealand’s plentiful renewable energy resources, the existing planning system presents numerous obstacles to harnessing their full potential,” expressed Bishop. “If all the projects receive consent, they will collectively add an extra 3GW of generation capacity, which is greater than Auckland’s historic peak demand of approximately 2GW.”