Lightsource bp’s New Zealand development partner, Contact Energy, visit UK Tiln solar

Lightsource bp recently welcomed members from the Board of its development partner in New Zealand, Contact Energy, to its Tiln solar farm in Retford, UK. The group visited the 61MWp site, which is currently under construction, to learn more about Lightsource bp’s latest technologies and projects.

Tiln is Lightsource bp’s first project to use n-type TOPCon modules, a new type of panel that reduces losses and improves efficiency. The solar farm also includes a 25MW/58MWh battery, which is the first of Lightsource bp’s multi-gigawatt storage pipeline to reach construction.

Lightsource bp and Contact Energy joined forces in early 2022 to collaborate on a series of grid-scale solar generation projects in New Zealand. The partnership aims to create up to 380,000 megawatt hours of clean, affordable electricity annually by 2026. The two companies were also recently chosen to deliver Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park, in the South Island of New Zealand.

This strategic partnership brings together the complementary capabilities of each organisation and shared ambitions to play a leading role in New Zealand’s decarbonisation. Contact Energy is one of New Zealand’s largest electricity generators and retailers, and the partnership between the two companies is a key milestone in its efforts to transition to a more sustainable future.

We look forward to sharing more updates on Lightsource bp and Contact Energy’s collaboration on sustainable energy projects in New Zealand.

Read more about our partnership and Tiln solar farm.