HES Aotearoa (HESA), a joint venture formed by Hive Energy, Ethical Power, and Solar South West, announces nine solar farm development partnership with leading solar energy generation company, Lodestone Energy. Once constructed, the HESA sites will represent more than 500 GWh in additional solar generation for Aotearoa.
As part of the HESA arrangement, Lodestone has signed on Ethical Power New Zealand as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner for the solar developments in the partnership. Ethical Power, part of the Hive Energy group, will assume responsibility for the design, construction, and delivery of these nine solar farms, bolstering the company’s and country’s commitment to a sustainable and clean energy future.
The solar farms will contribute significantly to renewable energy capacity in New Zealand. To put it into perspective, the combined portfolio’s capacity of approximately 372 MW will produce enough electricity to power approximately 70,000 homes.
Once built, this substantial addition to the country’s renewable energy infrastructure will contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing New Zealand’s energy independence, and improving resilience in electricity networks. Ultimately, the renewable energy projects are driving the nation’s efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.
Giles Redpath, CEO of Hive Energy, commented, “This agreement with Lodestone highlights the fantastic partnership we have operating in the region. Together with Ethical Power and Solar South West, we will be responsible for developing around 370 MW of PV capacity, which is more than all existing solar developments currently installed across the country. I am proud that Hive is part of the team supporting New Zealand’s solar adoption as well as moulding a cleaner future for our planet.”
“HES Aotearoa is delighted to be working with the team at Lodestone to accelerate these exciting projects through to construction and long-term operation” says Nick Keeler, founding Director at HES Aotearoa.
As the EPC contractor, Ethical Power New Zealand will play an integral role in the delivery of these new solar developments. “We are proud to partner with a company that aligns so closely with our vision of building a sustainable future for New Zealand,” says Matt Rowe, Managing Director of Ethical Power New Zealand.
Gary Holden, Managing Director of Lodestone Energy, says, “Through new capital partnerships, including a $250 million debt facility from ANZ, Lodestone will have the funding to support the development of significant growth of solar generation. The expansion puts us one step closer to bringing grid-scale solar to customers in all regions of Aotearoa New Zealand.”
“As we enter this next chapter, we look forward to continuing to engage with our new landowner partners while we empower new regions around the country,” adds Daniel Cunningham, GM Development of Lodestone Energy.
Lodestone Energy Limited was New Zealand’s first utility-scale solar generation company. It was founded in 2019 with a vision to help the national effort to decarbonise the energy sector. Lodestone Energy aims to contribute a substantial amount of solar production the country’s electricity market and be the leader in bringing solar-based energy contracts to customers. The company has an expert team with a long history in the electricity market, including developing generation projects in New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Australia, as well as managing integrated generation, transmission, distribution, and retail operations.
Ethical Power is a leading renewable energy company committed to transforming the global energy landscape. With a focus on sustainable practices and innovative technology, Ethical Power develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy projects worldwide. Experts in solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems, Ethical Power strives to create a greener and more sustainable future for all.
HES Aotearoa is the New Zealand based JV company established by leading international renewable energy company Hive Energy partnered by Ethical Power and Solar South West. The parties have more than 2,700MWp of solar plants completed around the world and continue to grow and develop. Business interests encompass solar PV, energy storage and green hydrogen.
