New Zealand solar developer Rānui Generation has begun on-site works at the 31MWp Twin Rivers solar farm in Pamapuria, near Kaitaia.
The array is the first of four PV sites currently in its development pipeline and is capable of delivering enough electricity to power 6000 households or 25,000 electric vehicles for a year.
Contracts for the Twin Rivers project have been awarded to GE Vernova and INTEC Energy Solutions. The scheme has a long-term easement agreement with the landowner and construction will start this month.
Rānui Generation, was acquired by Singapore-based renewable energy investor SC Oscar in June.
SC Oscar has completed the acquisition through its SC Renewable Energy Plus Fund 1 Limited Partnership (Fund) received, with consent for the investment by the fund granted by the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office in October 2023.
SC Oscar intends to back the construction of the four development-stage solar PV power projects which will deliver a combined capacity of 157MWp.
SC Oscar has attracted $220m in offshore investment for Rānui to develop a portfolio of renewable energy projects. The Twin Rivers solar project is the first of several solar projects SC Oscar plans to fund as part of its commitment to invest directly in renewables and energy transition real assets in Asia Pacific.
With support from the fund, Rānui Generation will accelerate the development of its three other solar projects with construction scheduled to start in 2025.
Rānui Generation chief executive Jason Foden said this acquisition by SC Oscar is an exciting development for the business and a signal of the vast potential in New Zealand’s accelerating energy transition.
“The start of construction of the Twin Rivers solar project, represents a significant milestone in expanding renewable energy infrastructure in Northland,” he added.
“In partnership with the local community we are excited to deliver much-needed power generation to a region of New Zealand that has traditionally faced the highest electricity tariffs.”
SC Oscar chief executive Connor McCoole added: “We are particularly attracted to Rānui Generation due to the positive attributes of the New Zealand electricity market and the excellent quality of the Rānui portfolio.
“SC Oscar aims to create long-term value for investors by investing in the energy transition and we are delighted to support New Zealand in its commitment to a full transition to renewable energy.”
Thanks to the financial support of SC Oscar, Rānui Generation has provided its key contractors, GE Vernova and INTEC Energy Solutions, with Notice to Proceed.
INTEC country manager of Australia and New Zealand Phil Wood said: “At INTEC, we are pleased to be providing EPC services for this remarkable project and strengthening our presence in New Zealand.
“This is supported by our proven track record and experience throughout Europe.
“I am confident that this strong partnership with Rānui Generation will result in exceptional projects, meeting the region’s renewable energy needs for years to come.”
GE Vernova’s regional commercial leader of its solar and storage business in New Zealand Jeff Hanson said: “We are excited to work with Rānui Generation on the Twin Rivers project.
“GE Vernova will deliver an engineered equipment package based on our advanced Flexinverter PCS and SunIQ technology.
“This advanced technology is designed to enhance the project’s efficiency and reliability, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration with the local grid.”