{"id":507519,"date":"2026-07-03T07:20:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/507519\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T07:20:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:20:08","slug":"lodestones-haldon-solar-farm-wins-fast-track-approval-in-mackenzie-basin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/507519\/","title":{"rendered":"Lodestone\u2019s Haldon Solar Farm wins fast-track approval in Mackenzie Basin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u201cThe positive draft decision recognises that renewable energy development and environmental stewardship can be delivered together,\u201d Lodestone managing director Gary Holden said.<\/p>\n
Located near the Benmore high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection, the farm would be well-positioned to deliver renewable electricity into the South and North Island electricity systems, Holden said.<\/p>\n
Lodestone said the farm will generate about 370 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year, enough to power 45,000 households.<\/p>\n
It would also complement New Zealand\u2019s hydro generation during daylight hours and help preserve long-term hydro storage during dry years.<\/p>\n
The project would include a package of conservation initiatives proposed by Lodestone and the Haldon Station management team.<\/p>\n
Holden said he expected the project to set the new standard for how landowners, generation companies and regulators can deliver outcomes.<\/p>\n
The project is expected to make a significant contribution to New Zealand\u2019s future electricity supply, Holden said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur vision is to develop a solar farm in every community where we can add value and bring generation closer to customers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Adding Haldon Solar Farm to Lodestone\u2019s fleet would strengthen the wholesale electricity market and accelerate the reduction of carbon and fossil fuel costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis combination will enhance our ability to provide competitive alternatives for all consumer segments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Planned upgrades to the HVDC link would further strengthen the ability for renewable generation from the South Island to supply demand in the North Island.<\/p>\n
The draft decision is now subject to the final stages of the Fast-track Approvals Act process before a final decision is issued.<\/p>\n
Established in 2019, Lodestone is an independent utility-scale solar developer and an integrated electricity generator and retailer.<\/p>\n
Since 2023, the company has commissioned four solar farms and another is expected to get the same treatment soon.<\/p>\n
Construction is underway on its sixth in Central Hawke\u2019s Bay.<\/p>\n
Lodestone is developing a nationwide pipeline of projects to support New Zealand\u2019s transition to a more resilient, low-carbon electricity system.<\/p>\n
Meridian approval for Lake P\u016bkaki<\/p>\n
Separately, power generator and retailer Meridian Energy said the fast-track panel had confirmed the easing of access restrictions on Lake P\u016bkaki hydro storage for a three-year period.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Mike Roan said easing restrictions would reduce dry-year risk and related price impacts through to winter 2028, providing extra insurance for the system while more new generation capacity is built.<\/p>\n
Hydro generation provides about 60% of the country\u2019s electricity and offers storage that can play a key role when alternative sources such as solar and wind are not available.<\/p>\n
Its challenge is that only 23% of that capacity can be stored in lakes, and Meridian\u2019s own lake storage equates to 15 weeks of average generation. <\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement gives us a buffer if a dry year puts pressure on that storage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.<\/p>\n