Lodestone Accelerates Solar Growth In South With Haldon Station Becoming First Fast-Tracked Solar Project

Lodestone Energy, New Zealand’s leading solar company, has received approval for its South Island Haldon Station solar project to move forward in the Fast-track consenting process. This project will be the first solar energy development in New Zealand to be considered by an Expert Panel under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. The proposed 220 MW solar farm will be built on a carefully selected 320-hectare area within Haldon Station’s 22,000-hectare property in the Mackenzie Basin.

The project aims to transform previously unused arid land with excellent solar potential, adding significant capacity to Lodestone’s growing portfolio. Of Lodestone’s ten consented sites, Haldon Station is the first to go through the Fast Track Consent process, marking a major milestone following over a year of studies and consultations. Managing Director Gary Holden described this as a strategic step that accelerates New Zealand’s renewable energy development.

Gary Holden said, “We are thankful the government has recognised that this project had the fundamentals to qualify under their stringent criteria. Our industry as a whole is dedicated to bringing new sources of electricity generation to the market, and the Fast Track process is a real boost to making this happen. Expediting a well-considered, low-impact project like Haldon – with exceptional solar potential, strong transmission access, and minimal visual impact – is exactly the kind of outcome the Fast Track legislation was designed to support.”

He highlights that the use of the Fast Track pathway maintains the integrity of environmental assessments and stakeholder consultation, saying, “We know that Fast Track does not in any way mean we can take shortcuts. We are committed to the same high standard of due diligence and consultation that’s underpinned all our developments. The Haldon project is a long-term commitment to the region – one that will supply clean, reliable electricity to New Zealand for decades to come.”

Unlike Lodestone’s other solar farms, which combine farming with solar generation, Haldon Station will focus on ecological restoration. The site will be enclosed with rabbit-proof fencing, controlled for pests, and destocked, encouraging the regeneration of native vegetation beneath the partial shade of the solar panels. The project is discreetly located, screened from public view, and positioned directly beneath high-capacity transmission infrastructure, ensuring efficient grid connection. Solar generation from Haldon Station is designed to complement nearby hydro generation, helping preserve lake storage during dry periods and peak summer demand.

Haldon Station’s farm manager of 42 years, Paddy Boyd, says the project marks a pivotal moment for the land. He says, “It is a win-win for regeneration. The removal of stock and pests, coupled with shade from the panels will be beneficial for land that is prone to drought, wind and extreme sun exposure. This is a regeneration project, not just an energy one.”

He concluded, “Consumer demand is growing quickly, and businesses are seeking affordable, flexible, and genuinely sustainable energy solutions. These projects are allowing us to deliver low-cost, sustainable solutions on the South Island, adding to our growing list of customers up North. We are excited to open conversations with customers about potential new supply from Haldon in the near future.”

Lodestone also has three smaller sites consented in Canterbury. Recently, the company held a groundbreaking event at its Clandeboye site, attended by the Mayor of Timaru, Nigel Bowen, as well as landowners and project partners. Lodestone currently operates three solar farms in the North Island, with a fourth nearing completion in Whitianga, and has announced a new joint venture with Centralines in Hawke’s Bay. In the South Island, construction is underway on the 27.7 MWp Clandeboye solar farm. These projects are part of Lodestone’s vision of delivering ‘a solar farm for every community’ across New Zealand.