A solar farm near Foxton is the 32nd project and eighth renewable energy project to be granted Fast-track approval.<\/p>\n
Genesis Energy lodged its application in February 2026, with approval taking around three and a half months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 220 MWp solar farm will generate approximately 345 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power approximately 47,000 homes,\u201d says Mr Bishop.<\/p>\n
\u201cReliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.<\/p>\n
“New renewable energy projects approved through Fast-track will add more than 990 megawatts of new generation capacity. That’s more than five per cent of New Zealand’s current generation capacity and enough to power approximately 322,000 households annually.”<\/p>\n
\u201c\u201cThe project will provide around 100 jobs during construction and contribute directly and indirectly to the local economy,\u201d Mr Jones says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project represents a major investment in the region and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand\u2019s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.”<\/p>\n
Mr Brown says the Government\u2019s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemand for electricity is expected to increase significantly as New Zealanders increasingly go electric in everything from their bikes to their businesses. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis project will contribute to the Government\u2019s goal of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050. Renewables were a record 96.5 per cent of electricity generation in the last three months of last year and more generation is required for a resilient and reliable electricity supply to underpin economic growth. <\/p>\n
\u201cFast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of achieving that 2050 goal.”<\/p>\n
Notes to editor<\/p>\n
More information about the project: Foxton Solar Farm<\/p>\n
Fast-track by the numbers:<\/p>\n
32 projects approved by expert panels.
\n16 projects with expert panels appointed.
\n59 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 28 active substantive and 31 referral applications.
\n65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure
\n149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
\nOn average, it has taken 118 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.<\/p>\n
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:<\/p>\n
Arataki [Housing\/Land]
\nAshbourne [Housing\/Land]
\nAyrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
\nGreen Steel [Infrastructure]
\nHomestead Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nBledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
\nDelmore [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Metropolitan Centre \u2013 Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Quarry Expansion \u2013 Sutton Block [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nHaldon Solar [Renewable energy]
\nHananui Aquaculture [Aquaculture]
\nKings Quarry Expansion \u2013 Stages 2 and 3 [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nKaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
\nLake P\u016bkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
\nM\u0101hinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
\nMaitahi Village [Housing\/Land]
\nMilldale \u2013 Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing\/Land]
\nThe Point Mission Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nPound Road [Housing\/Land]
\nRangitoopuni [Housing\/Land]
\nRyans Road [Housing\/Land]
\nSouthland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
\nState Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
\nSunfield [Housing\/Land]
\nTekapo Power Scheme \u2013 Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
\nTakitimu North Link \u2013 Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
\nWaihi North [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nWaitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
\nWait\u0101kere District Court \u2013 New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
\nWellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]<\/p>\n
Expert panels have been appointed for:<\/p>\n
188 Beaumont Street
\nAlternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
\nAuckland Prison Capacity Increase
\nBarrytown Minerals Project
\nBendigo-Ophir Gold Project
\nBream Bay Sand Extraction Project
\nCentral and Southern Block Mining Project
\nDowntown Carpark Site Development
\nHunua Quarry Development
\nMt Iron Junction
\nMt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
\nNorthwest Rapid Transit
\nSouthern Link Inland Port
\nStella Passage Development
\nThe Point Solar Farm
\nWaikanae North Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A solar farm near Foxton is the 32nd project and eighth 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