Blessing and groundbreaking mark major milestone for Central Hawke’s Bay solar farm
Project representatives officially break ground together at the solar farm site.
A site blessing and ceremonial groundbreaking held in Ongaonga this week has marked the official start of construction on the Central Hawke’s Bay solar farm project.
Representatives from Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, Centralines, Lodestone Energy, the Central Hawke’s Bay Consumers Power Trust, Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Will Foley and project partners gathered on site to acknowledge the significance of the whenua and celebrate the beginning of construction on a project that will help support the region’s future energy needs.
The ceremony marked the transition from planning to construction and recognised the partnerships that have helped bring the project to life.
Centralines Chair Fenton Wilson said the occasion was an important milestone for the project and Central Hawke’s Bay.
“This blessing and groundbreaking acknowledge both the significance of this place and the collective effort that has gone into reaching this point,” said Wilson.
“We are grateful to be sharing this milestone with Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, Mayor Will Foley, our partners at Lodestone Energy, the Central Hawke’s Bay Consumers Power Trust and everyone who has helped bring the project to life.
“This project represents a long-term investment in the future of our region. As a consumer-owned lines company, we are focused on supporting energy resilience, enabling future growth and helping deliver lasting value and competitive pricing options for our consumers.”
Developed through a joint venture between Centralines and Lodestone Energy, the project will be Hawke’s Bay’s first utility-scale solar farm.
Expected to be operational by autumn 2027, the solar farm will comprise approximately 49,000 solar panels and generate around 50 GWh of renewable electricity each year — enough to power approximately 7,000 homes. The electricity generated on site will connect directly into the Centralines network, increasing the amount of renewable electricity produced locally and close to where it is needed.
Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to renewable energy.
“It’s fantastic to have the site blessed with all our partners and to officially move into the construction phase,” said Holden.
“This project will contribute to New Zealand’s acceleration of renewables while delivering benefits closer to home through locally generated electricity for Central Hawke’s Bay. Through our recently launched EASY Plan, the people of Hawke’s Bay will be able to share the benefits of this local solar generation with well priced energy and an innovative pricing plan that alleviates the ups and downs of energy bills.”
The project combines Centralines’ local connections and consumer ownership model with Lodestone Energy’s expertise in developing and operating utility-scale solar farms.
Brian Morris of Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea said the blessing was an opportunity to acknowledge the significance of the whenua and the relationships that have helped guide the project to this point.
“This event has been an opportunity to acknowledge the significance of this place and the people connected to it, while looking ahead to the opportunities this project will create for future generations.
“It’s pleasing to see organisations coming together in a way that respects the whenua and supports a more sustainable future for our communities.”
Centralines acknowledged Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea for leading the blessing and thanked Mayor Will Foley, project partners, the Central Hawke’s Bay Consumers Power Trust and everyone involved in supporting the project’s development.
With construction now underway, work on site will continue over the coming year as the solar farm moves towards becoming operational.
For more information about the project, visit: Centralines Solar Farm Project
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