New Plymouth Airport begins work on solar farm
New Plymouth Airport has set a course for self-sufficiency in sustainable energy with work beginning next week on a major solar farm covering 15 hectares.
The first phase of the project will see 14,400 solar panels , generating up to 14,700 megawatt hours enough to power 2,000 homes for a year.
“As well as taking more than 1,500 tonnes of CO2 out of our atmosphere each year, the solar farm will make New Plymouth Airport self-sufficient in energy and provide added income from the sale of surplus electricity,” said New Plymouth Airport Chief Executive David Scott.
“The solar farm on farmland that New Plymouth Airport leases from NPDC will be a cost-effective and efficient power source with long-term benefits for the aiport and the environment, and demonstrates our commitment to modern, eco-friendly facilities.”
The solar power facility will use the latest technologies that can be adapted to future developments in solar energy, withstand Taranaki’s changeable weather and be used with developing EV charging systems.
“Puketapu Hapū is proud to support this initiative that not only aligns with our values of environmental stewardship, but also contributes to the well-being and self-sufficiency of our community. This solar farm represents a positive step towards a sustainable future for our Puketapu Rohe and the wider Taranaki region,” said Puketapu Hapū Manager Kelly Moeahu.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Kiri Hannifin applauds New Plymouth Airport for supporting the creation of more renewable energy in Taranaki. “It’s fantastic to see New Plymouth Airport take a leadership position, growing renewable energy resources is critical for New Zealand’s future. The entire aviation system needs to decarbonise and this is one step closer to that, well done!”
New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom says it’s exciting to see the project getting underway – as it brings to life a commitment for the district and the region to transition towards a low emissions future.
“NPDC has been on the path to creating a cleaner, greener future for our Sustainable Lifestyle Capital through our Climate Action Framework and other sustainability initiatives, but we’ve also been working with others across Taranaki to look for new opportunities as an alternative to the gas and farming industries which we are so known for. This venture being built on NPDC-owned land will serve as a major boost for sustainable energy in our district and encourage more players to invest.”
The solar farm is being constructed by Infratec New Zealand, one of Aotearoa’s leading solar developers and constructors. Nick Bibby, General Manager of Infratec said that the project not only helped decarbonise our electricity system, but was an excellent example of how well-designed projects can achieve both commercial and community objectives.
“We are proud to be working with forward-thinking organisations such as New Plymouth Airport and its owners the NPDC to help achieve sustainable energy outcomes for future generations in the Taranaki region” says Bibby.
Fast Facts
New Plymouth Airport is the fifth busiest regional airport in New Zealand and is used by about 400,000 travellers each year and provides jobs for more than 180 people.
It operates seven days a week, providing an essential strategic transport hub for Taranaki owned by NPDC and independently managed by a board of directors, Papa Rererangi i Puketapu.