Mackenzie Basin

Solar Farm with Battery Energy Storage System

Overview

Mackenzie Basin is a proposed 500-megawatt (MW) solar energy project with the potential for a 300 MW / 1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Located southeast of Twizel in the Mackenzie District, the project is designed to harness the region’s exceptional solar resource to deliver clean electricity for homes, industry, and future energy-intensive developments such as e-fuel terminals and data centres.

Set against the high-country landscapes of Te Manahuna, the site carries both opportunity and responsibility. Mackenzie Basin reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and strong community partnerships, aiming to deliver lasting economic, environmental, and cultural benefits for generations to come.

600 MW+
Peak Power

300 MW
Battery Energy Storage Capacity

931 GWh
Annual generation

128,000 homes
Energy supply equivalent

Mackenzie Basin is a proposed 600-megawatt (MW) solar farm with potential for a 300 MW / 1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) located southeast of Twizel, Mackenzie District.

The project will utilise the region’s strong solar potential to deliver large-scale renewable electricity and support future energy-intensive developments such as e-fuel terminals and data centres.

Strong solar resource: 1,509 kWh/m²/year GHI Ideal terrain: Flat land, minimal earthworks, national road access Land classification: LUC 6 and LUC 7 – non-arable with high solar suitability Energy Impact:

  • 600 MW+ solar capacity generating up to 931 GWh/year

  • Enough to power over 128,000 homes across Aotearoa

  • Potential 300 MW / 1,200 MWh BESS to support grid stability and firm supply

Mackenzie Basin is more than a solar project — it’s a commitment to kaitiakitanga, renewable energy, and shared prosperity. Together with mana whenua, local communities, and partners, the project aims to create a lasting positive legacy for Aotearoa’s clean energy future.

Location

Project Lifecycle

  1. Concept

    Potential sites are mapped and studied, with early engagement to understand landowner interests and opportunities.

  2. Feasibility

    Detailed wind, solar, and environmental assessments confirm whether a site can support a commercially and technically viable project.

  3. Project Development

    Current stage

    Planning approvals, community and iwi engagement, and commercial agreements are advanced to prepare projects for financial close.

  4. Construction

    Turbines, solar panels, and infrastructure are built and connected to the grid, creating jobs and local economic activity.

  5. Operations

    Projects deliver clean electricity to the market while being actively monitored, maintained, and optimised for performance.

  6. Decommissioning

    At project end-of-life, assets are dismantled or repowered, and land is responsibly restored for future use.