Meridian gets consent for 120MW Bunnythorpe solar farm near Palmerston North

Meridian wants to build a solar energy park in Manawatū.

Meridian Energy says it has received consent to build a 120MW solar farm at Bunnythorpe, near Palmerston North.

The farm will be capable of producing about 225 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity a year – enough to power around 30,000 homes – the power generator and retailer said.

It will be built alongside an already-consented battery energy storage system (BESS), which will be part of Meridian’s plan to invest $3 billion in new renewable energy plants through to 2030.

Bunnythorpe will be Meridian’s second energy park after the Ruakākā Energy Park near Whangārei.

The Ruakākā BESS was completed in 2025 and a 130MW solar farm is currently under construction, with first power expected late 2026.

Guy Waipara, Meridian general manager development, said the Bunnythorpe farm would expand the company’s presence in Manawatū, where it has its Te Apiti and Te Rere Hau wind farms.

Waipara said solar energy is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s electricity generation.

The new facility at Bunnythorpe is forecast to create in excess of 100 local construction jobs and up to $50 million of local spend throughout construction.

The 280ha site is between Ashhurst and Stoney Creek Roads, and is adjacent to Transpower’s Bunnythorpe substation.

Meridian said the project is subject to a final investment decision by the board, expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.

It will follow expected final investment decisions for Mt Munro Wind Farm in late 2026 and Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in early 2027.

Separately, the company’s operating report for April showed there was strong retail sales growth, higher customer demand and rising hydro storage from sizeable water inflows in the month.

ASX forward electricity prices have declined further, likely a continued reflection of the high levels of investment in new renewable generation and the system security provided by agreements signed for Huntly capacity, the company said.

“We’re maintaining good momentum as we move through the second half of the financial year,” chief executive Mike Roan said.

“Significant rainfall events in the North Island and solid South Island inflows have boosted national hydro storage to close to 120% of average for this time of the year, meaning the country’s electricity system is exceptionally well fuelled as we enter the cooler months,” he said.

In the month to May 11, national hydro storage increased from 106% to 119% of the historical average.

South Island storage increased to 109% of average and North Island storage increased to 201% of average by May 11, 2026.

Meridian’s April monthly total inflows were 98% of historical average.

To date this financial year, total inflows are 121% of historical average, the eighth-highest financial year inflows on record.

Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.

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