“Projects of this scale require strong partnerships and a shared long-term vision,” Simpson said.
“By working together, developers and energy retailers can help bring the new generation online faster, attract investment into critical infrastructure and support a more resilient and sustainable electricity system for New Zealand.”
Mercury executive general manager wholesale Tim Thompson said the company was excited to back the Masterton project.
“Solar will complement our hydro, wind and geothermal generation, adding further diversity and resilience to our renewable portfolio,” he said.
“We’re investing significantly in new renewable generation ourselves, and this project is another way we can support development. Ultimately, adding more renewable energy to the grid will support greater system resilience and help power New Zealand’s future economic growth.”
The development of the Masterton Solar and Energy Storage Farm is expected to create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase.
Full construction is set to begin early in the new year.
NZCE, which was founded in 2022 and is backed by Foresight Group, develops, builds, owns and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects across New Zealand.
It has an extensive development pipeline with initial projects scheduled to commence construction in 2026 and 2027, including developments in Darfield (Canterbury) and Dannevirke (Manawatū-Whanganui).
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