Lodestone Solar Farms

Overview

Project description

ElectroNet was selected as the electrical installer for New Zealand’s first two utility-scale solar farms developed by Lodestone Energy.

Kohirā was the first project completed in Northland’s sunny Kaitaia, supplying 33MW (56GWh annually) directly into the national grid.

This was followed by the Rangitaiki solar farm situated in the Bay of Plenty at Edgecumbe offering a similar energy supply of 32MW (54 GWh annually). The sites were chosen for their ease of connection to the national grid, proximity to an industrial load, and high sunshine hours.

Nexans solutions

ElectroNet awarded Nexans as a cable supplier, recognising a long-term relationship over a number of grid, network, and renewable generation projects. Our cable offer was supported by a number of capability and value-add criteria:

• industry knowledge and experience, 
• surety in local manufacturing,
• just-in-time delivery to suit the project's requirements.

Project outcome

This partnership enabled ElectroNet to complete the cabling of the projects on time and without delays. Nexans technical experience allowed alternate solutions to be put forward for consideration where there were obvious advantages in project management, design, efficiency, and savings.