Masterton Solar
and Energy Farm
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Masterton Solar & Energy Storage Project is a 100 MW solar farm in Waingawa, Wairarapa, with optional battery storage of up to 91 MW / 200–400 MWh. Designed for a 40-year lifespan, it will generate 166 GWh annually — enough to power 20,000 homes — and reduce carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes.
With strong grid access, proximity to local demand, and compatibility with ongoing agricultural use, it stands as a flagship clean energy initiative for the region.
Solar Capacity:
100 MW (DC), 89 MW (AC output)
Annual Generation: ~166 GWh
Solar Panels: ~160,000 units
Inverters: ~22 solar + ~22 BESS inverters
Solar Yield: ~1,655 MWh
Operational Life: 40 years
LOCATION & GRID CONNECTION
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Waingawa, ~6 km south of Masterton, on 142 hectares of rural-zoned land off State Highway 2.
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Sheep grazing to continue post-construction.
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A 33 kV connection (avoids higher costs of 110 kV) into the Masterton Transpower Substation via short underground cable.
Current Status
As of Q2 2025, the Masterton project has achieved Ready-to-Build (RTB) status. Key development milestones include securing the land, receiving Resource Consent in November 2024 (Carterton District Council Notified Resource Consent), signing the Transpower Works Agreement in Q1 2025, and completing both geotechnical investigations and technical advisory appointments.
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 the coming months. Please keep updated with our progress either on this website page or our LinkedIn page.
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
& LIFECYCLE
Duration
Estimated 12–18 months.
Lifecycle
40 years of clean energy production.
ECONOMIC & social benefits
Carbon Reduction: ~12,000 tonnes annually.
Energy Supply: Powers ~20,000 homes.
Grid Efficiency: Low-cost connection and proximity to demand.
Land Suitability: Flat, unobstructed, and agriculturally compatible.
Jobs Created: Over 100 during construction;
~20 for operations and maintenance.
Local Demand: Immediate proximity to Powerco and Transpower substations.
Dual Use: Maintains agricultural productivity (sheep grazing).
Regional Impact: Supports Wairarapa’s clean energy transition.
Employment: Boosts local job creation and long-term economic activity.
