16 | Lodestone Energy: Clandeboye Solar Farm T T Kim Newth Expanding SI’s solar energy supply Comprising 45,000 solar panels on a 42-hectare flat site, the Clandeboye solar farm project aligns with Lodestone’s right-sized, right-place philosophy that delivers strong localised value for communities. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT An innovative solar farm project underway in Clandeboye, South Canterbury is part of an ambitious vision by Lodestone Energy to deliver renewable solar energy at pace across Aotearoa New Zealand. Lodestone already has three utility-scale solar farms generating in the North Island, with a fourth in Whitianga nearing completion. Clandeboye, the company’s first in the South Island, is the latest addition in their fast-growing portfolio. “It’s incredibly exciting to get our first South Island project underway,” says managing director of Lodestone, Gary Holden. “This marks a significant milestone in our vision to deliver a solar farm in every community across Aotearoa.” Similar in scale to Lodestone’s sites at Kaitaia, Edgecumbe and Whitianga, the Clandeboye solar farm will generate 43 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power around 6000 homes. From Lodestone’s perspective, developing a diversified portfolio across the country has many inherent advantages. “By creating a geographically diversified network of right-sized solar farms, we build a natural hedge against the country’s changeable weather patterns,” says Gary. “We’re also building new energy options for our customers. This development is welcome news for our South Island customers, who are eager to capitalise on our virtual solar rooftop solution.” Comprising 45,000 solar panels on a 42-hectare flat site, the Clandeboye solar farm project aligns with Lodestone’s right-sized, right-place philosophy that delivers strong localised value for communities. Gary says solar farms of this size work well for the market and their business model. Learnings from earlier projects are also being applied at this latest site, with construction scheduled around seasonality, and refined installation processes set to support an efficient build. At Clandeboye, Lodestone is leasing land from Clearwater Farms, who plan to graze sheep around the panels once they are in place. This is Lodestone’s first solar farm developed under a leased-land model, (with previous solar farms having been built on land they own). Lodestone’s GM development, Daniel Cunningham, says it is great to be working with a landowner like Clearwater, who “supports the agrivoltaics model”. “This approach offers farmers a valuable opportunity to diversify income, gain certainty over long-term revenue streams, and continue to farm the land.” he says. The rollout of this project is directly benefiting the South Canterbury economy, with some 50-80 roles being created through the construction phase. Lodestone’s project partner, Ethical Power, is recruiting local contractors and suppliers wherever possible. In turn, it is helping to build skills in the expanding renewable energy sector. According to the Electricity Authority’s 2023 investment pipeline survey, solar accounted for 45% of all committed new-generation projects – making it the fastest-growing sector of the electricity system. Projects like Clandeboye play an important role in building an experienced workforce needed for this transition. Lodestone is committed to fostering positive relationships with mana whenua, and seeks out cultural guidance on how to deliver the best environmental outcomes. At Clandeboye, where a two-metre-wide native planting buffer is planned around the site perimeter, Lodestone has requested support from Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua for guidance on the planting plan and sourcing of native species. In time, as the planting matures, this solar farm will be barely visible. Overall, the site will also have a lower profile compared to Lodestone’s North Island farms as shorter piles are being used in a onein-portrait configuration. Once operational, this solar farm will be very peaceful – quietly delivering clean energy with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Following completion of piling this year, modules and trackers will be installed early in the New Year. By the end of 2026, Lodestone expects to be live at Clandeboye and contributing clean solar electricity into the Alpine Network. More solar development is in the pipeline for Canterbury, with two additional Lodestone sites in planning at Mount Somers and Dunsandel. sales@power-electronics.co.nz | www.power-electronics.co.nz Power Electronics is proud to support Loadstone Energy with the supply of inverters for the Clandeboye Solar Farm project. NZ’s leading supplier of utility scale Solar, Battery and Statcom inverters
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