Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa

Solar Farm with Battery Energy Storage System

Overview

Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa is a large-scale solar energy project located in the central North Island. Designed to harness the sun’s abundant energy, the project will generate clean, renewable electricity to power homes, industry, and communities across Aotearoa.

More than just generation, Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, energy resilience, and strong local partnerships. The project aims to deliver shared value and long-term benefits for the region and for future generations.

100 MW
Peak power

90 MW
Battery energy storage capacity

23,700 homes
Annual energy supply equivalent

152,000 panels
Powering the project

Location

Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa is a proposed 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm and battery projectlocated on a 160-hectare block of land, 40 km southwest of Hastings in the sunny heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay).

The project has been named in recognition of the energy of Te Rā (the sun) and the potential of this whenua to support a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Aotearoa.

Strong solar resource: 1,544 kWh/m²/year GHI Ideal terrain: Flat land, minimal earthworks, national road access Land classification: Predominantly LUC 7 – low-value for agriculture, high potential for solar Energy Impact:

  • 152,000 panels generating up to 172 GWh/year

  • Enough to power over 23,700 homes across Aotearoa

  • Battery system designed to support grid stability and firm supply

Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa is more than a solar project — it's a commitment to kaitiakitanga, clean energy, and shared prosperity. We look forward to walking this journey together, with mana whenua, communities, and partners by our side.

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.