Ethical Power secures planning consent for 65-MW solar PV project in New Zealand

It is expected to generate 100GWh of energy.

Ethical Power, in partnership with KeaX Limited, has obtained planning consent for its 65-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) development in New Zealand. 

In a statement, Ethical Power said the consent for the Buckleys Road Solar Farm was granted by Selwyn District Council in May.

The council said the “project would not detract from the rural character of the area, thanks to the existing and proposed shelterbelts and proposed landscaping included in the development plan.”

“The land, currently used for cattle grazing, will continue to support primary land-based production through sheep grazing once the site becomes operational,” the statement read. 

Site for the Buckleys Road Solar Farm is located in Selwyn District and is adjacent to the Brookside 66-kilovolt substation. 

The project is a 104-hectare (ha) solar array in an 111-ha site with an operational generating capacity of 100 gigawatt hour. 

The solar element of the project will comprise 140,000 single axis tracking modules and 13 inverters across and a co-located battery energy storage system (BESS), Ethical Power said.

To prepare for its planning submission, Ethical Power said the company and KeaX consulted Te Taumutu Runanga on the preservation of the cultural values of the land. 

The design incorporates a Maori Wähi Taonga Site, it added.

The solar farm is expected to contribute to New Zealand’s goal to achieve 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030.