100 MW Masterton Solar and Energy Farm
PROJECT INFORMATION
The site is situated on 147ha of agricultural land on State Highway 2, approximately 6km south west of Masterton. The application site consists of a number of fields enclosed by post and wire fences. The fields are currently grazed.
The proposal is for ~160,000 (~2m^2/ panel) solar PV panels on approximately 147ha of grazing land. The panels will be fixed onto a single axis tracking mounting system facing east/west (allowing the panels to track the suns path throughout the day), which are piled into the ground, causing minimal soil disturbance.
The construction for the Project is expected to last ~12-18 months. The panels stand ~0.8m - 2.8m off the ground, allowing for grazing livestock on the grass beneath. Our aim is to reduce the impact of the development and so only small amounts of concrete are used and all of the installation can be easily removed at the end of the 40 year lifetime of the project.
The project is 100 MW of Solar PV plus 88 MW of energy storage which will allow power to be stored onsite and exported to the grid when most needed. The scheme will generate enough electricity to supply ~23,000 homes. It will also save over ~12,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum compared to burning fossil fuels for electricity.
THE NEXT PHASE
Masterton Solar and Energy Storage Project – Resource Consent Documents
NZ Clean Energy (NZCE) wish to advise that our proposal for an Agrivoltaic Solar Farm at Waingawa (Masterton) is ready for the next phase of consultation. This is to share the Project plan and specialist studies for the Project plan, all of which will be submitted as part of the Resource Consent process.
NZCE have shared the required correspondence with the affected parties via either email or post and this link below includes the specialist studies carried out.
Masterton Affected Persons Summary Document
NZCleanEnergy Flyer Masterton Dec23
Appendix 1 - Applicaton Layout Plan
Appendix 2 - Landscape Architect Images and Plans
Appendix 3a - Glint and Glare Analysis, Ground Level
Appendix 3b - Glint and Glare Analysis, Ground Level
Appendix 4 - Civil Engineering Plans
Appendix 5 - Acoustic Assessment
Appendix 6 - Contamination Preliminary Site Investigation
Carterton District Council Affected Parties Consent Form
If you have any further questions at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to help.
The NZ Clean Energy Team, 18/12/2023.
Why has this site been selected
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The main factor for identifying and choosing the site is the proximity to the grid. The site is ~50m from the substation at Masterton (adjacent to) which is the point of connection. This allows for a firm and reliable connection to the National Grid.
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Grazing land has been identified and as such there will be a fractional loss of agricultural land as grazing will continue on the land post construction.
Limited impact on native vegetation / biodiversity. All existing native vegetation on site is intended to be retained.
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Initial research suggests support for renewable energy projects. This allows for us to ensure we develop the most suitable project possible in conjunction with the key stakeholders.
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Masterton Solar Farm has high levels of solar irradiation allowing for a high performing renewable energy system. Demand for electricity in the surrounding area is increasing year on year.
Benefits of the Project
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This project will produce energy for use in the local area, i.e. generated close to where it is used. Increased energy security for the local area and wider network.
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During construction we anticipate over 100 jobs being created for each project, ranging from electrical and solar PV work to security and groundworks.
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We are actively encouraging local business to get in touch with us to register their interest in the project so we can get as many local companies involved as possible.
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A number of jobs will be created such as panel cleaning & maintenance, general testing and inspecting of electrics and general site maintenance and upkeep.
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Will be available to local schools and community groups wishing to visit to understand more about the project and what is involved.
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Will be in place to explain to the local are and any passers-by what the project details are.
COMPLETED EVENT
STAGE 1 - PUBLIC CONSULTATION
NZ Clean Energy would like to invite you to attend the public drop-in session for the Masterton Solar and Energy Storage Farm.
When - November 15th from 5.30 - 7.30 pm (please drop in anytime to suit yourselves)
Where - Copthorn Hotel & Resort, High Street, Solway Park, Masterton
Contact us at projects@nzcleanenergy.nz
NZCE are keen to engage with local businesses who are able to provide services to the development as well as individuals who may wish to find out more about our proposed project. If you are unable to attend please contact us at the email below and we would be delighted to speak with you further.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday the 15th of November.