About This Solar Farm
Ruakākā Solar Park is a 163MWdc (130MW) project in Northland, New Zealand, owned and operated by Meridian Energy. It comprises the second stage of Ruakākā Energy Park, and will sit alongside the 100MW Ruakākā BESS (Battery Energy Storage Solution).
Ruakākā Solar Park will cover around three-quarters of the 201 ha project site and will use about 250,000 solar panels to produce up to 230 GWh of energy each year, enough to power over half of Northland’s homes in an average year.
The green energy from Ruakākā Solar Park will be transmitted to the switching station located at the BESS site via several inverter stations and a 33kV connection prior to injection into the national grid at Transpower’s Bream Bay substation.
Sustainability at Ruakākā Solar Park
As part of the solar farm development, there are plans to enhance and protect an existing 18ha wetland on site 1, which is significantly degraded after many years of cattle grazing.
A new 11.7ha native habitat area will also be created, including a new 5ha wetland on site 3.
These will provide habitats for taonga bird species such as bittern and dabchick ducks. The new wetland will help cleanse stormwater from the energy park and wider catchment before it flows into the Ruakākā River, delivering significant environmental benefits.
About Meridian
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 is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and community support in the regions where it operates.