4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Lodestone Energy Solar with scale arrives Lodestone Energy’s first five solar farms are expected to generate enough energy to power 50,000 homes. T T from page 3 “The concept of extracting energy from the sun has massive appeal, as it is ultimately the most renewable, sustainable source of energy. We have listened to what matters to iwi and are making sure that each of the farms where we put solar panels is able to continue productively farming livestock.” At Kaitaia, the solar farm has been developed with co-existent agriculture in mind and seven hectares are also being reforested with native trees. “We have spent the extra money to put the panels 2.3-metres off the ground and spread them far enough apart to enable ongoing grazing or horticultural planting.” New Energy has been working with Lodestone Energy and Infratec to construct the first two solar farms. Scott and Hayley Walls, who own New Energy, started planning their entry into the solar market in 2021 and won the tender to build Lodestone’s Kaitaia solar farm the following year. “It has been a great project to work on,” says Scott. “We like to establish good long term relationships with smart people and capable companies; we have been very impressed with Lodestone Energy and Infratec and really enjoy working with them. “We’ve got 60 staff on site, all hired locally. We also have a local company building the roads and foundations, and the electrical contractor on site at Kaitaia and Edgecumbe is employing local people as well. “For some, having this opportunity to work and gain new skills is literally life changing. We are building a real team culture and I want the team to be recognised for what they are doing. They are working hard, out in the wind and rain, and we’re proud of them. “Kaitaia has been very good to us. It’s a great location, a really welcoming community and the people up there are fantastic. We will be finishing there near the end of the year.” With the experience gained at Kaitaia, Scott says the second solar farm project at Edgecumbe got off to a flying start in mid2023 and is progressing well. As in Kaitaia, local staff and contractors have been hired for the work. “It is such an exciting field at the moment. No-one else has done anything else like this in New Zealand before.” We pride ourselves with more than 20+years’ experience delivering high quality work on large scale projects throughout New Zealand. Services provided by PPS include supply and install of various fencing types, retaining types, installation of guardrail and wire rope road safety barriers, hydro excavation, solar farm pile testing and mechanical installation on solar farms. PPS are proud to be apart of the solar farmmarket in New Zealand providing security perimeter fencing, pile testing and mechanical installation. PPS provide top service and specialised equipment specifically suited to pile driving used on solar farms and employ exceptional staff to take on any sized project. Get in touch with us today to see how we can be the perfect partner on your next project. We are proud to support Lodestone Energy. Web: www.ppsfencing.co.nz Office: 07 824 5100 AdamMarsh: 027 457 5569 Carol McColl: 027 330 9945 ROAD BARRIERS · SOLAR · HYDRO EXCAVATION
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