Lodestone Energy is expanding its national footprint with the announcement of its first South Island solar farm, set to be built in Clandeboye in South Canterbury.
Construction on the site will begin this month, with the solar farm expected to generate power by the third quarter of 2026.
Once operational, it will produce 43 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, enough to power thousands of homes and businesses.
The Clandeboye development marks Lodestone’s fifth generation site, joining the company’s existing projects in Kaitaia, Edgecumbe, Whitianga, and Waiotahe.
Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden said the company’s rapid rollout of new solar generation was key to its national vision.
“Adding new generation at this pace is a crucial part of our vision to ensure New Zealand has a ‘solar farm in every community’,” Holden said.
“We are committed to ensuring customers in all regions will have access to low-cost, renewable energy, and solar is the perfect way to complement the existing South Island hydro resources.”
He said Canterbury was an ideal location for solar energy due to its reliable sunshine and alignment with irrigation and dairy sector electricity needs.
Lodestone said it selected Clandeboye to help support its growing South Island customer base and confirmed four more solar sites have already received consents, with five others in the planning and consent process.
The company recently raised $50 million in capital and extended its banking partnership with Westpac to support expansion plans.
Holden said the country’s rising demand for electricity, combined with the need for more stable energy supply during dry periods, made solar a vital part of New Zealand’s energy future.
“We are planning to add a number of South Island sites over the next couple of years,” he said. “Electrification of industrial boilers and the growing interest in electric cars will mean new generation will be needed for many years to come. Customers seeking a low-cost hedge against rising power prices is a compelling reason to build as quickly as we can.”
