How solar and batteries fit with Meridian Energy, NZ's biggest hydro generator
Bess, New Zealand's first large-scale grid battery storage system, was officially opened today.
The facility has a maximum output of 100
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Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Solar farm proposals on different tracks
Two major solar energy developments in Otago are taking very different paths, one opting for a government fast-track route, the other choosing the traditional resource consent process amid significant public scrutiny. Black Point Solar Farm, proposed by Black Point Solar Ltd, is among 149 projects included under the Fast-track Approvals Act, passed into law in December. The company plans to build the solar farm on a 240ha sheep and deer property about 5km from Duntroon in North Otago. If approved, the farm would consist of 380,000 solar panels — enough to power about 38,000 homes. "As part of the project, sheep or other compatible farming will continue under and around the solar panels, maintaining the productive potential of the site," the application reads. Construction would begin once consent and financing were secured, completion being expected within two years. Initial discussions have been held with Network Waitaki, Transpower, the Waitaki District Council, local MP Miles Anderson and neighbouring property owners. However, an Environment Protection Authority Fast-track spokesperson said yesterday Black Point Solar Farm had not yet lodged a substantive fast-track application. No timeline has been set for lodging the full application. Meanwhile, further inland in Central Otago, Helios Energy is pursuing a 660ha solar farm in the Maniototo between Naseby and Ranfurly. Helios announced the project in October 2023 but chose to forgo the fast-track option in favour of the conventional consent process. A Central Otago District Council hearing is scheduled for August 19-21 in Ranfurly. The original proposal included a 300MW installation with 550,810 solar panels aligned in sun-tracking rows and a battery energy-storage system (BESS). However, in May, Helios dropped the battery component following community concerns about fire risks and insufficient information about suppression systems. Construction is now delayed until at least 2029. Community response has been mixed. Of the 179 submissions received, 23 were in favour and 12 were neutral. The remaining 144 opposed the development, with concerns ranging from fire safety and noise pollution to glint and glare from the panels. At a public meeting in Ranfurly last December, former Delta employee and whistleblower Richard Healey spoke about risks associated with utility-scale solar projects. Fire was a major concern due to the gases given off if the panels ignited. Retreat would be difficult and a possible fire would put stock at risk. Nearby residents also voiced worries over construction impacts. The plan requires driving 10,000 metal stakes 2m into the ground, a process locals fear could generate disruptive noise and vibrations.
Otago Daily Times
12-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Hydro lakes at 101% of average
Lake Pukaki and the hydro canal. PHOTO: MERIDIAN ENERGY Meridian's hydro lakes are in good shape as New Zealand moves into the second month of winter, thanks to regular rain, careful balancing of hydro and wind generation as well as a proactive approach from the electricity industry to boost security of supply, Meridian chief executive Mike Roan says. "Supply being managed carefully and low spot prices — this is the market doing what it was designed to do and working in the interest of all New Zealanders," a statement from Mr Roan said. "The welcome boost we've seen in our hydro storage is the result of regular rain since April, rather than the damaging events we've seen in other parts of the country over the last week." Across the country, controlled hydro storage was at 101% of average for the time of year. Among the storage lakes that Meridian manages, the Waiau catchment (Lakes Te Anau and Manapōuri) is 89% full, or 131% of average for the time of year, while Lake Pūkaki is 61% full, or 93% of average for the time of year. "That storage, along with increased thermal fuel reserves, has seen wholesale [spot market] prices soften considerably, with average prices last week of $91 in the North Island and $85 in the South Island. "Forward market prices at Otahuhu for 2025 have also halved, having fallen from $300/MWh in March and April to $150/MWh currently." At 11.40am on Wednesday, Meridian was generating almost 1900MW. "We produced 106GWh on the Waitaki chain in the week beginning June 23, out of a total 250GWh across all of Meridian's assets. "Of that, 207 was hydro, and 43 was wind," a Meridian spokesperson said.
RNZ News
10-07-2025
- RNZ News
Liquefied natural gas imports feasible within 3-4 years but would be costly
Pohokura is New Zealand's largest natural gas producer. Photo: Supplied The import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is feasible within the next three or four years, but would be costly, might be needed only occasionally, and would likely need backing from the government for fast track consent. A report commissioned by the gas company Clarus and the four main power companies - Contact, Meridian, Genesis, and Mercury - has just been released and canvasses various options of scale. LNG has been touted as a back-up for dwindling local gas supplies for the power industry. Clarus chief executive Paul Goodeve said the report was a starting point looking at either a small scale import facility, or larger international standard installation. "This work aims to provide New Zealand with a robust and clear-eyed evaluation of LNG import feasibility, and while both options are technically feasible, they each come with very different costs and benefits." A small scale import option would use smaller vessels, likely needing frequent shipments, but using existing port facilities and infrastructure, at a cost of between $140m-$295m. Goodeve said that had the benefit of lower build costs, faster and flexible development, but the cost of gas would be about 25 percent higher. A conventional LNG import option would be based on using standard-sized ships delivering significant volumes of gas, which may vary between none in some periods and a handful when gas was required for power generation. "The real benefit of these conventional-scale LNG solutions is to improve security of energy supply, providing access to energy when required. In New Zealand's case, this may be in a dry-year when hydro inflows are low, or if domestic gas supply continues to decline," the report said. The report said the government would not need to be directly involved in any LNG operation but could materially assist through backing the consenting of a project. "It has an important role to play at this early stage in defining the project. Without government engagement the schedule to first LNG imports will certainly slip; with government intervention and pro-activity the schedule to LNG can be accelerated." The government has given an indication that it would, if necessary, legislate fast track consent for an LNG terminal. The report mentioned, but did not identify, six possible import locations, although the small scale option singles out Port Taranaki. The fuel import port at Marsden Point has been mentioned in the past, and the other four established port operations - Auckland, Tauranga, Napier and Wellington - are logical sites given they already handle fuel shipments and connect to the North Island gas network. Goodeve said the import of LNG was not a substitute for the development of biofuels, gas exploration, and electrification through renewable energy generation. "Our energy future will be shaped by a mix of energy options and this work ensures the option of LNG is properly understood." He said there was much engineering, commercial and planning work to be done, which meant decisions on whether to proceed would not emerge until next year. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
