An unprecedented partnership between Meridian Energy and Nova Energy has formed to develop and operate the 400 MW Te Rahui solar PV power plant. This plant will be New Zealand‘s largest solar generation facility. It can be mentioned that it is located near Taupō on the North Island, and the project is an important step in diversifying the nation’s energy sources. Moreover, this can be highlighted in the view of the collaboration, confirmed in December 2024, as a 50-50 partnership that aims to meet the country’s growing energy needs and improve grid stability.
It can be mentioned that the first phase of the project, which involves a 200 MW build-out, has secured NZ$300 million in financing from the Australian and New Zealand Bank (ANZ). Construction on this phase began in August 2025. Developers expect to generate power by mid-2026 and reach full operational capacity by mid-2027. Nova Energy, part of the Wellington-based Todd Corporation, received the necessary resource consent for the Te Rahui site in April 2024. The project will develop in two phases, ultimately creating a 400 MW facility.
The Te Rahui solar plant will cover a 1,022-hectare site at Rangitāiki, about 35 km east of Taupō. This site was previously a dairy farm. The design is innovative and includes agrivoltaics, which allows sheep to graze beneath the solar panels. This crisis brought attention to the need for a more diverse energy mix and opened the door for solar PV expansion. Consequently, investment in renewable energy has grown significantly. Recent initiatives include Pacific Channel’s launch of Fund V, aimed at building a 10 GW portfolio of solar, wind, and energy storage projects throughout the country.
It can be mentioned that the developer also demonstrated the resilience of its solar infrastructure when its 42 MW Te Herenga o Te Rā solar PV power plant operated effectively despite severe regional flooding. Moreover, moving for these events shows strong and growing interest in solar technology as a crucial part of New Zealand’s energy future. Thus, the Te Rahui project represents a significant investment and indicates a broader shift toward a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the nation.
