Tauhei Solar Farm project is being developed in New Zealand by a joint venture (JV) of Harmony Energy NZ and Clarus company, First Renewables.
The JV took the final investment decision for the 202MWp project in January 2025. The project secured funding via a syndicated debt facility provided by ANZ, ASB, BNZ and MUFG Bank.
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Construction works are expected to begin in the same year, and Tauhei is slated to commence operations in late 2026.
After commissioning, Tauhei Solar Farm will become the largest project of its kind in New Zealand.
During the peak construction phase, the solar project will create around 350 full-time equivalent jobs. It will also employ people in permanent positions once construction is completed.
Tauhei Solar Farm Location and Site Access
The Tauhei project will be constructed on a 182-hectare area near Te Aroha in the North Island.
The site, located within the Hauraki Plains, features flat terrain with artificial drainage systems.
According to the application to Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2022, the project can be accessed via four vehicle crossings.
The first is off Stanley Road South, leading to the dairy shed. The second and third are on Alexandra Road, providing entry to farm sheds, a southern dwelling, and another residence. The final access point is on Mikkelsen Road, serving both farm sheds and a dwelling.
The project site contains three types of vegetation.
As part of the project works, the developers will also restore around 6.9 hectares of wetland, 4.8 hectares of riparian areas, and establish boundary planting and biodiversity corridors covering 14.9 hectares.
After completion, most of the site will be used for sheep farming.
Tauhei Solar Farm Infrastructure
According to the EPA 2022, the Tauhei Solar Farm involves the installation of around 330,000 monocrystalline solar panels.
Key ancillary infrastructure will include a 224MVA transformer and two customer substations. It will also include 49 container-like structures that will host electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, and switchgear.
Other components will include one spare parts container, infrared cameras, and deer-type fencing for security, along with internal access tracks.
The solar panels will be mounted on structures driven into the ground, sitting 800mm to 1m above ground at the lower end, with a maximum height of 2,900mm. They will be placed on full tables measuring 29,440mm long and half tables measuring 14,970mm long.
The 49 power stations will be positioned on piles about 600mm above ground level. The ground will be prepared with compacted soil and stone, and oil trays will be used to prevent contaminants from reaching the ground.
Two customer substations will be similar in appearance to containers and will be located east of O’Donoghue Road.
A 224 MVA transformer will also be situated east of O’Donoghue Road, near the substations.
Power Transmission
The panels will be linked together through string cabling at the rear end. Trenched low voltage cables will be used to connect the panels and the power stations on site.
The solar farm will be connected to the Transpower 110kV network at Waihou Substation via underground connection. From there, the electricity will be transmitted by the national grid.
The connection process will involve installing cabling within the unformed legal area, or road reserve, of Mikkelson Road, covering a distance of 2km.
Tauhei Solar Farm is projected to generate 280 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, sufficient to power around 35,000 New Zealand homes.
Contractors Involved
In January 2025, the Harmony Energy and First Renewables JV selected renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor Elecnor as the lead construction partner to build the solar farm.
As agreed, the company will be responsible for the design, supplies and the construction of the farm, including a substation and an evacuation line.
4Site Consulting– part of SLR, worked with Harmony on scoping possible sites, consulted with iwi, assessed ecology, landscape impacts and soil contamination. The company then supported the preparation of application for consent.
GreenEnco was appointed to carry out an assessment of the number of jobs that will be created by the development of the Tauhei Solar Farm.
Local law firm Buddle Findlay advised the finance parties on the project financing.
Ventia, an infrastructure services provider, will deliver supporting infrastructure and auxiliary systems. This includes the 224 MVA 110/33kV substation; 2km of 110kV overhead line; and 2km underground cable connecting to the Transpower Waihou Substation.
Power Purchase Agreement
New Zealand-based power company signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Harmony Energy / First Renewables in January 2025. The company will purchase 100% of the output for the first ten years of operation.
