A Step Toward Renewable Energy Growth

Once completed, the Ruakākā Solar Farm will feature 250,000 solar panels spanning an area equivalent to 170 rugby fields. It is expected to generate up to 230GWh of electricity annually—enough to power half of Northland’s homes.

The solar farm will be located next to Meridian’s 100MW Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will be fully operational by April 2025. This will complete the company’s Ruakākā Energy Park, further strengthening the region’s energy security.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Meridian’s CEO, Neal Barclay, highlighted the project’s significance, stating:

“This project is special—not just because it’s our first solar farm in New Zealand, but because it will add so much to the Northland region in terms of energy resilience.”

He emphasized that increased renewable energy projects across the country will help drive down power prices, benefiting homes and businesses nationwide. The Ruakākā Solar Farm is part of Meridian’s broader commitment to renewable energy. The company has $3 billion in renewable energy investments planned through 2030, with $1 billion expected to be committed this year alone.

Construction and Future Plans

Meridian has partnered with Ethical Power, a global expert in solar and battery energy storage solutions, to handle the construction and operations of the solar farm. First generation is expected by late 2026, with full capacity reached in early 2027.

This project aligns with New Zealand’s transition to sustainable energy, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increasing national energy security.