Genesis Energy reaches final investment decision on 70 MW Leeston Solar Farm in New Zealand with NZD 125 million investment

Type: Development · Technology: Solar · Country: New Zealand · Capacity: 70 MW · Announced: 2026-09-01

Genesis Energy, majority-owned by the New Zealand government, reached final investment decision on the NZD 125 million (USD 103 million) Leeston Solar Farm, a 70 MWp solar project in Canterbury, New Zealand. The 111-hectare facility will feature approximately 74,000 solar panels and generate 110 GWh of renewable electricity annually once operational. Construction is expected to commence immediately following the financial close announcement on September 1, 2026. The project is part of Genesis Energy's broader NZD 2.2 billion investment plan to deploy up to 500 MW of solar and battery storage capacity by 2032, supporting nearly 500,000 customers. Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman highlighted the project's role in strengthening New Zealand's electricity supply security during the energy transition. The solar farm will also allow continued agricultural grazing on the leased land, demonstrating dual-use land management practices.

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