Big step forward for solar power
The country’s largest solar power plant has been opened in South Taranaki by a company usually associated with gas.
The Wellington-based Todd Corporation, owner of natural gas provider Todd Energy, is behind the Kapuni Solar Power Plant.
The site has 5800 photovoltaic (PV) panels and is capable of generating enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 520
New Zealand homes.
Although the power plant has been generating electricity for the local network since May 10, it was not officially declared open until yesterday – days after the official launch of South Taranaki’s only wind farm, the $227 million Waipipi development between Pa¯ tea and Waverley.
The solar plant, adjacent to the Vector Kapuni Gas Treatment Plant on Palmer Rd, was built over the past year by Todd Corporation-owned Sunergise, which specialises in providing rooftop solar to commercial customers.
‘‘It definitely proves that there is a case for large-scale solar farms in New Zealand, and that
they can be economic,’’ Sunergise general manager Paul Makumbe said. ‘‘I guess it’s no longer about the race to start solar, but it’s more about scaling solar deployment in the country.’’
He would not reveal how much the plant cost to build, but said it was ‘‘commercially viable’’.
‘‘The Kapuni Solar Power Plant represents Sunergise’s first step in ground-mounted solar in
New Zealand.’’
He added: ‘‘I think solar and renewables are the future. I don’t see it as a departure from gas per se.
‘‘I genuinely believe the transition to a full renewable path has to happen in conjunction with other technologies alongside.
‘‘Gas is complementary to the roll out of renewables. There will come a time when all of our energy will come from renewables, but I don’t think
we’re there yet.’’
The Kapuni site was developed with local hapu¯ Nga¯ ti Manuhiakai and Nga¯ ti Tu, and just under half of the 20-strong workforce who built it came from from hapu¯ referrals.
Four staff will be involved in the dayto-day running of the power plant.
Makumbe said the company was constantly looking for new solar energy sites around the country.
‘‘I won’t rule out another one in Taranaki, but I can say we are more actively looking than we have been before.’’
As well as Sunergise and Todd Energy, the Todd Corporation has interests in hydrocarbon exploration and production, electricity generation, energy retailing, property development, minerals, healthcare and technology.
The Todd Corporation is owned and controlled by the Todd family and valued at $4.3 billion.
Todd Energy is also known for its community involvement, such as the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre in New Plymouth.
The Todd family supports a range of organisations through the Todd Foundation, which was formed in 1972.