The Rānui Solar Farm, currently under construction near Blenheim in Riverlands, is set to begin operations by the end of 2025. With 20,600 solar panels, it will generate up to 12.6 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 5,000 homes and meet approximately 16% of Marlborough’s peak electricity demand.
Key Highlights:
- The farm is being built on a 14-hectare former vineyard, cleared in just two weeks.
- Marlborough is the sunniest region in New Zealand, making it ideal for solar energy production.
- Construction began in March, led by K&T Construction Ltd, which is responsible for installing about 11,000 support piles and overseeing the build. The first “golden row” of panels was installed in April and is serving as a blueprint for quality control across the site.
- The project is backed by Rānui Solar Ltd, a division of the Flight Group, owned by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Osborne.
- Osborne, formerly in plastics and forestry, views this initiative as part of the larger solution to New Zealand’s high electricity prices, which he believes are disproportionately rising.
Context:
- Rānui Solar will exceed the capacity of other local renewable projects:
- Seaview Seddon Solar Farm: 4 MW
- Ward Solar Farm (coming online in 2025): 9 MW
- Branch River Hydro Scheme: 11 MW
Osborne, also known for his charitable contributions like donating land for Marlborough’s library and art gallery, said the solar venture gives him purpose at 78, stating: “I get a buzz out of knowing I’m being useful in life.”
Read more at : https://www.thepress.co.nz/business/360662735/vine-rows-golden-row-solar-farm-takes-shape