Christchurch Airport is all set to develop its renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park and has chosen Contact Energy and Lightsource bp, as its partners to deliver phase one of the park. In April 2022, Contact Energy and Lightsource bp entered an exclusive partnership to co-develop grid-scale solar farms in New Zealand and Kōwhai Park is expected to be their first project.
The first stage of the park will consist of a solar farm that will span around 300-hectares on land just behind the airport’s runways.
Justin Watson, CEO, Christchurch Airport said: “This marks a major milestone for Kōwhai Park which is an important project for Canterbury and New Zealand. Kōwhai Park will enable low emissions aviation and help provide the extra green energy New Zealand needs to transition away from fossil fuels.”
Excited to announce this development Mike Fuge, CEO, Contact Energy said: “Subject to a final investment decision, all going well construction will begin in 2024. As a partnership we are looking forward to working on Kōwhai Park Christchurch Airport to achieve our environmental aspirations and deliver on our commitment to lead New Zealand’s decarbonisation.”
“We’re delighted to launch our first project in New Zealand and to be partnering with organisations who, like us, want to play a leading role in New Zealand’s decarbonisation,” said Adam Pegg, MD for Australia and New Zealand, Lightsource bp. “With our partners at Contact Energy we look forward to working closely with Christchurch Airport on the development, construction and operation of Kōwhai Park.”
With around 300,000 solar panels, Kōwhai Park’s solar farm will be among the largest in New Zealand.