{"id":467376,"date":"2025-08-03T23:25:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-03T23:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightsourcebp.staging.1int.co.uk\/?p=467376"},"modified":"2025-08-04T08:50:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T08:50:01","slug":"kowhai-park-solar-farm-reaches-golden-row-milestone-marking-major-step-in-delivery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsourcebp.staging.1int.co.uk\/nz\/news\/kowhai-park-solar-farm-reaches-golden-row-milestone-marking-major-step-in-delivery\/","title":{"rendered":"K\u014dwhai Park solar farm reaches \u2018Golden Row\u2019 milestone, marking major step in delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"
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K\u014dwhai Park solar farm reaches \u2018Golden Row\u2019 milestone, marking major step in delivery <\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Construction of one of New Zealand\u2019s largest solar projects has reached a major milestone, with the installation of the first row of solar panels \u2013 known in the industry as the \u2018Golden Row\u2019 \u2013 now complete at K\u014dwhai Park<\/a> solar farm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project is being delivered through a partnership between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy, in collaboration with Christchurch Airport. The solar farm is being constructed on a 230-hectare site at the airport, aligning with the airport\u2019s broader ambitions to enable a renewable energy precinct and support New Zealand\u2019s decarbonisation goals.<\/p>\n

Installation of the first panels marks an important moment in the delivery of the 168MWdc solar farm, as the Golden Row milestone represents both the full installation and quality assurance of the first row of solar panels. With the process now validated and signed off, construction can safely and efficiently scale \u2013 repeating this process thousands of times across the site. Once complete, the solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of more than 36,000 homes.<\/p>\n

K\u014dwhai Park reflects the shared commitment of all three partners to enable a more sustainable future for New Zealand. With their first project together in the country, Lightsource bp and Contact Energy are combining their global and local expertise to bring new large-scale renewables capacity online, helping accelerate the energy transition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe solar farm brings our vision to life, using airport land in new ways to support a low-emissions future for our region. We\u2019re excited to hit this milestone, which marks another step towards a cleaner energy future reflecting the strength of the partnership driving it,\u201d said Justin Watson Christchurch Airport CEO.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to see the progress at the K\u014dwhai Park site \u2013 the first solar farm as part of our joint venture partnership. It demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through effective, strategic collaboration in advancing New Zealand\u2019s renewable energy future,\u201d said Mike Fuge, Contact CEO.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a significant moment for our team and our partners. We\u2019re proud to be working with Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport to bring this project to life. It\u2019s a great example of what can be achieved when industry leaders come together with a shared focus on delivering practical, long-term solutions for decarbonisation,\u201d said Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Lightsource bp.<\/p>\n

Engagement with the local community and wider stakeholders remains a priority as the project progresses, with a focus on ensuring the development delivers lasting economic and environmental value for the region.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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K\u014dwhai Park<\/h2>\n
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Find out more about one of New Zealand’s largest solar projects.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

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Latest news<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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29 Oct, 2024<\/p>\n \n

Wool quality and sustainability: Insights from Lightsource bp\u2019s Wellington solar farm\u202f<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

Lightsource bp has seen promising results from the second round of wool testing at its Wellington solar farm, in New South Wales, Australia.<\/p>\n

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24 Oct, 2024<\/p>\n \n

bp completes acquisition of Lightsource bp<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

bp has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50.03% interest in Lightsource bp.<\/p>\n

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27 Aug, 2024<\/p>\n \n

New Zealand: K\u014dwhai Park solar farm breaks ground<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

We\u2019re pleased to share that our K\u014dwhai Park solar farm in Christchurch, New Zealand, has officially broken ground following the project\u2019s successful financial close.<\/p>\n

Read Story <\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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