A floating solar project has transformed a Dannevirke wastewater treatment pond into a source of clean energy, with profit from the electricity generated going to whānau the Tararua community experiencing energy hardship.
The project is a partnership between Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua and Tararua District Council and features 880 solar panels mounted on a floating structure at the Dannevirke Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Owned and operated by Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua, the project will see 50 eligible households receiving contributions towards their electricity bills.
Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua Charitable Trust trustee Mavis Mullins said it was a local solution, led by locals, for the benefit of locals.
“The key to this project was mahi tahi, working together, reflected in the whakataukī: “Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” – “With your basket and my basket, we will sustain everyone.
“The floating design makes clever use of an existing asset, turning a wastewater pond into a source of clean energy.”
Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua Charitable Trust trustee Mavis Mullins speaks at the opening of the floating solar project.
Supplied/Tararua District Council
Council provided Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua with a licence to occupy for the solar panels.
Council also entered a power purchase agreement with the Iwi, whereby Council will buy electricity produced by the solar array at a discounted rate to help power the wastewater treatment plant.
Additional power produced and not utilised at the wastewater treatment plant will be fed back into the grid.
Mayor Scott Gilmore said the project could become a blueprint for other councils.
“With hundreds of wastewater ponds across New Zealand, the model could inspire other communities looking for practical ways to combine renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, lower costs and social benefit.
“As energy prices are rising and environmental pressures mount, it is time to start exploring innovative solutions with resources that are not fully utilised.”
Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore speaks at the opening of the solar project.
Supplied/Tararua District Council
The project has also recently secured funding for battery storage, allowing more of the solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used beyond sunshine hours.
Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua Charitable Trust chairperson Aaron Kārena said the iwi was excited to formally launch this development.
“This kaupapa has been led by our energy company, Tū Mai Rā Energy, and is a partnership with the Tararua District Council. Alongside our other mahi, this kaupapa strengthens our connection with our whenua and taiao here at Mākirikiri, and across our wider rohe of Tamaki-nui-a-Rua”.
A floating solar project has transformed a Dannevirke wastewater treatment pond into a source of clean energy.
Supplied/Tararua District Council