UK trio forms 350-MW solar JV in New Zealand

UK solar project developer Hive Energy and compatriots Ethical Power and Solar South West (SSW) have set up a joint venture (JV) to deploy close to 350 MW of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) capacity in New Zealand.

The new entity, dubbed HES Aotearoa Ltd, is fully integrated along the whole value chain of solar development, with project design, construction, operation and maintenance capabilities. Hive Energy said on Thursday that New Zealand was chosen as a suitable location due to its higher solar irradiation levels, as compared to the UK, and the lack of grid congestion issues.

The JV will work to support the New Zealand government’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy generation in the country by 2030. According to a study by state-owned power transmission company Transpower, New Zealand could become home to 4 GWp of solar power capacity. At present, the country has only 140 MWp of PV parks in operation.

Hive Energy has a 2.5-GW solar projects pipeline, including schemes under development, construction and operation. Ethical Power is involved in sustainable power generation, while SSW is a construction, electrical and operations PV contractor.

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