Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia has announced the launch of a 63MW solar project in New Zealand, in partnership with Genesis Energy.
The Lauriston solar plant is one of the largest operating solar plants in the country.
Developed in collaboration with Genesis Energy, which has also signed a 10-year PPA contract, this initiative represents a key milestone in shaping New Zealand’s renewable energy future.
Located in Canterbury, on a 93-hectare plot of land near Christchurch (the largest city in the South Island), the Lauriston plant is home to nearly 90,000 solar panels.
The construction of the project was executed by Beon Energy Solutions and generated approximately 100 jobs, while three professionals are in charge of the operation and maintenance tasks of the facility.
In addition, the collaboration with the Lauriston school will allow to promote educational programs focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) over the next five years.
FRV Australia, Genesis and Beon Energy Solutions celebrated this milestone with an institutional event also attended by local and national representatives, underlining the positive impact of the project at both regional and national levels.
The ceremony was also attended by several high-level authorities, including the Minister for the South Island and regional representative in Parliament, James Meager; the mayor of Ashburton, Neil Brown; and the general director of the local electricity company, Onno Moulder.
Carlo Frigerio, CEO of FRV Australia, highlighted the strategic importance of the project: “Lauriston Solar Farm represents our vision of building a sustainable future through innovative renewable solutions, generating tangible social and environmental benefits for both local communities and the country.”
Malcolm Johns, CEO of Genesis Energy, added: “To achieve our climate goals, we must transform our energy matrix towards renewable sources.
“The Lauriston solar plant represents an important step in this direction, demonstrating the value of strategic alliances in the energy transition.
“For New Zealand to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, 60% of its energy needs will need to be met by electricity, up from 38% today, and at least 95% of that electricity will need to be renewable, compared to about 80% today.
“Our solar program will contribute to this increase in renewable energy supply, and it’s great to see our first project come to fruition.”
Genesis and FRV are already working on the development of new solar projects in Foxton, New Zealand.
These initiatives reflect both companies’ ongoing commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable and inclusive future.