Invercargill might not be the sunniest place in the country — but the sun will hopefully soon shine on a new project in the city.
Southland and Otago company NES confirmed to the Otago Daily Times yesterday plans were under way to develop a solar farm, which would be the first of its kind in the region.
A company spokesman said it had proposed building a 8.5MW direct-current solar farm, which would also feature a 30MW-hour battery energy storage system designed to store excess energy and provide stability to the local power grid.
"The primary goal of this project is to deliver clean, renewable energy to our community, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cutting carbon emissions.
"By producing electricity locally, we aim to enhance the region’s energy independence, protect residents from energy price fluctuations and improve overall grid reliability."
While the project was still in the early stages of development and planning, NES Infrastructure had already identified a suitable site and was engaging in discussions with neighbouring property owners "to ensure the project integrates seamlessly into the community", he said.
The company did not divulge exactly where its solar farm would be built, but residents of North Makarewa Grove Bush Rd received a letter last week seeking their support of the project.
The spokesman also did not reply to questions about how many jobs might be generated for the region when the solar farm was built, but he said it would create valuable economic opportunities, providing jobs during both construction and operational phases.
"NES Infrastructure is committed to working with local contractors and employing local workers wherever possible, supporting regional economic growth and development."
It was aimed to have it operating by next year, but the project timeline was still dependent upon planning approvals and detailed assessments, which were under way, he said.
"Typically, projects of this scale take between eight and 18 months from the planning phase to full operation
"As the project progresses, NES Infrastructure will provide further details, including investment figures and specific site information," he said.
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey welcomed the announcement as another step towards strengthening the region’s energy resilience, sustainability and economic diversification.
"This proposed development aligns with the region’s wider transition into low-emission, future-focused industries. Southland has long been a leader in energy-intensive industries, and investment in solar adds to our region’s reputation as a key player in New Zealand’s energy story."
She said the chamber believed renewable energy projects such as this one not only helped New Zealand move closer to its carbon reduction goals, but also supported local jobs, increased regional investment and opened new opportunities for innovation and technology-led business growth.
"As Southland continues to attract forward-thinking investment, infrastructure like the Makarewa solar farm strengthens our regional economy and provides more certainty for future generations."
