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25 March 2025

Meridian Energy selects Ethical Power as principal EPC contractor for its first solar project

[Auckland, March 2025] Ethical Power New Zealand signs its first solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract with a leading power company Meridian Energy, for the delivery of 130MWac Ruakākā Solar Park. The contract was exchanged on 25th March 2025. Early works are expected to start in the coming weeks, with first generation expected in late 2026 and full generation in early 2027.

The Ruakākā Solar Farm is the second element of the Ruakākā Energy Park which combines a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS), currently under construction, and the 130MWac solar site to be built by Ethical Power. The site is located near Marsden Point and Whangārei, in Northland.

 

The new solar park, first in Meridianā€™s portfolio, will cover almost 170ha and incorporate up to 250,000 fixed-frame solar panels. As the principal EPC contractor, Ethical Power will be responsible for detailed design engineering and optimisation of the project, as well as the procurement of modules and the full-wrap construction, involving extensive civils works, cabling, panel mounting and commissioning of the site. Meridian has also awarded Ethical Power the operations & maintenance contract for the project.

Matt Rowe, Managing Director for Ethical Power New Zealand, comments: ā€œThis is a significant milestone for Ethical Power New Zealand and further strengthens our position in the New Zealand market with a high-profile client. Meridian has been a great partner throughout this process, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term relationship with them.ā€

This is Ethical Powerā€™s first solar EPC contract in New Zealand, but the Groupā€™s operations in New Zealand also included successful development and sale of a number of utility-scale solar projects and a remote performance monitoring contract delivered via its UK control room.

 

For Meridian Energy, this is their first solar project and is part of the companyā€™s ambition to deliver a 5.8 GW pipeline of renewable energy infrastructure projects spanning wind, solar, and battery technologies.

About Ethical Power Group

Ethical Power is a renewable energy company specialising in utility-scale solar and battery storage. With competency across the entire project lifecycle, from design through construction and grid connections to asset management, Ethical Power can optimise operations along the value chain and has a proven track record of delivering best-quality and highest-performing renewable energy assets.

 

Headquartered in the UK, Ethical Power launched its New Zealand operations in 2022 with an experienced team based in Auckland. In New Zealand, it has successfully developed and sold multiple utility-scale solar PV projects and is now engaged on its first EPC contract.

About Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy Limited (Meridian) is one of the leading power companies in New Zealand, generating electricity exclusively from 100% renewable sources. It is also one of the largest electricity retailers in the country, serving over 300,000 customers, including households, farms, and businesses. Meridian has a current market capitalization of NZ$15.51B.Ā  Meridian is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and community support in the regions where it operates. The company is listed on the S&P Global Dow Jones Asia Pacific Sustainability Index and continues to make significant investments in New Zealandā€™s renewable energy sector.

Photo credits: Meridian Energy