DARFIELD SOLAR AND
ENERGY PROJECT
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Darfield Solar & Energy Storage Project is a landmark 117 MW solar development in Canterbury, New Zealand, featuring optional battery storage of up to 106 MW / 200–400 MWh. Designed for a 40-year lifespan, it will generate 210 GWh annually—enough to power 23,000 homes—while reducing carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes. Strategically located next to Fonterra’s Kimberley Factory, it offers dual energy offtake pathways and strong grid connectivity, making it a key contributor to New Zealand’s clean energy future.
Solar Capacity: 117 MW (DC)
Annual Generation: ~210 GWh
Solar Panels: ~187,824 units
Inverters: ~24 solar + ~24 BESS inverters
Solar Yield: 1792 MWh
Operational Life: 40 years
LOCATION & GRID CONNECTION
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1.5 km north of Darfield, Canterbury, on a 148-hectare site off Homebush Road. The land is zoned General Rural under Selwyn District’s Partially Operative District Plan.
Fonterra’s Kimberley Factory is located immediately next door, enabling industrial energy supply opportunities.
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Currently used for sheep grazing, which will continue post-construction.
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Orion-owned Kimberley Substation via underground cable.
Current status
Development milestones are advancing. Resource Consent is expected in Q3 2025, with grid connection agreements and geotechnical investigations also scheduled for completion in the same period. NZCE is targeting Ready-to-Build (RTB) status by Q4 2025, with financial close and construction commencing in 2026.
Looking ahead, NZ Clean Energy (NZCE) plans to launch a formal Engineering, Procurement and Construction tender process, and finalise equipment suppliers. With the assistance of our appointed Technical Advisor, we will be running through the EPC tender for the project. In parallel, NZCE will conclude the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) negotiations and financing arrangements, thus allowing us to achieve Notice to Proceed (NTP) in 2026. Please keep updated with our progress either on this website page or our LinkedIn page.
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
& LIFECYCLE
Duration
Estimated 12–18 months.
Lifecycle
Designed for 40 years of operation.
ECONOMIC & social benefits
Carbon Reduction: ~12,000 tonnes annually.
Energy Supply: Powers ~23,000 homes.
Grid Reliability: Strengthens local and national grid infrastructure.
Engineering Simplicity: Flat, obstruction-free land supports efficient installation.
Jobs Created: ~100 during construction;
~20 for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Industrial Offtake: Potential PPA with Fonterra for energy supply.
Commercial Flexibility: Dual offtake pathways—industrial and national grid.
Local Employment: Boosts regional job creation during and after construction.
Land Use Compatibility: Maintains agricultural activity (sheep grazing).
