The challenge

To meaningfully advance New Zealand's decarbonisation goals, the country needs a pipeline of large-scale renewable generation delivered quickly, reliably and on commercially sound terms.  Contact Energy and Lightsource bp formed a joint venture to do exactly that – sourcing, developing and constructing a series of grid-scale solar farms across Aotearoa.  Executing on that pipeline requires navigating consenting processes, securing regulatory consents such as Overseas Investment Act 2005 (OIA) approval, and structuring complex project financing – all while keeping each project on track for delivery.

Our role

Buddle Findlay has advised the joint venture across a portfolio of its solar generation projects, advising on consenting, project development, regulatory approvals and financing and implementation.

Results delivered

  • Glorit Solar Farm: A 171MWdc solar farm in on the Kaipara Coast, north of Kaukapakapa, Auckland.  The project will generate 285GWh of renewable energy annually, the equivalent to the annual demand of approximately 40,000 homes.  Buddle Findlay acted as the lead advisor to Contact and Lightsource bp, including advising on consenting and project development matters, receiving OIA consent, exemptions from farmland advertising requirements, and (alongside Mallesons) the implementation and financing of the Project.  The solar farm was the first fast-track project (under the previous Natural and Built Environment Act) to go to a contested hearing, involving novel procedural and substantive legal issues

  • Kōwhai Park Solar Farm: A 170MWdc solar farm located adjacent to Christchurch Airport that is expected to generate the equivalent to the annual electricity demand of approximately 36,000 homes.  Spanning 230 hectares, with approximately 300,000 solar panels, the Project is among one of the largest solar farms in New Zealand.  Buddle Findlay advised Contact Energy and Lightsource bp (as project sponsors) on the financing aspects for the Project

  • Stratford Solar Farm: A 170MWdc solar farm, generating 298,000MWh of renewable energy annually located in Stratford, Taranaki.  The solar farm is in the currently in the consenting and approvals phase.  Buddle Findlay acted on the direct referral of the application to the Environment Court and seeking OIA consent.