Harmony Energy gets enviro nod for 147-MW solar park in New Zealand

UK green energy project developer Harmony Energy has secured permission to build a 147-MW solar park in New Zealand, set to become the largest one of its kind in the island country.

The permit was awarded by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Yorkshire-based company said on Tuesday.

To be installed in the Wikito region of the upper North Island of New Zealand, the proposed photovoltaic (PV) farm will cover a 182-ha site located 140 km south of Auckland. The selected site will be used both for power generation and for farming production.

“This proposal creates opportunities for local businesses and employment and creates significant biodiversity gains," said Harmony Energy's director and co-founder Pete Grogan.

Once in operation, the Tauhei solar plant will be capable of generating enough electricity to meet the demand of around 30,000 homes.

In addition to Tauhei, the UK firm has a pipeline of more than 500 MW of projects in New Zealand. In its home country, it is currently working on an up to 198-MWh battery energy storage scheme in Eash Yorkshire, planned to be completed later this year.

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