Glorit solar farm reaches financial close, strengthening Lightsource bp and Contact’s renewable energy partnership in New Zealand

Lightsource bp, a leading developer and manager of global utility-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions, has reached financial close on its 171MWdc (150MWac) Glorit solar farm in partnership with Contact, marking an important milestone in the delivery of new renewable energy infrastructure in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The project is being developed through the 50:50 joint venture established between Lightsource bp and Contact to develop grid-scale renewable energy generation across New Zealand. Reflecting the strength of the partnership, the companies have agreed to extend their joint venture to continue progressing new opportunities across the New Zealand market. The collaboration combines Contact’s deep experience in the local electricity system with Lightsource bp’s global development capability.

The project has secured NZ$285m of non-recourse financing, with funding provided by ANZ, Mizuho, Bank of China New Zealand, China Construction Bank New Zealand, Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschafts Bank. With financial close achieved, construction can now commence.

Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific at Lightsource bp, said: “Reaching financial close on the Glorit solar farm is another important step forward for our partnership with Contact and for the growth of the solar industry in New Zealand.

“The Glorit solar farm is bringing new renewable generation to market at pace, supporting increased demand while strengthening generation capacity in the upper North Island. Located close to key load centres and connected to a strong point on the national transmission network, the project provides strategic benefits for the evolving electricity system as new renewable supply is brought online.

“Our partnership with Contact continues to deliver strong results, and the decision to extend our joint venture reflects the success of what we have built together and positions us well to progress the next wave of renewable energy projects in New Zealand.”

Mike Fuge, Contact CEO, said the Glorit solar farm, to be built north of Auckland, was a significant milestone in the acceleration of Contact’s strategy.

“Our vision is to lead the renewable energy future of New Zealand. We are investing and building at pace to support the critical energy infrastructure needed to support a more renewable, resilient and affordable energy future for the country,” said Mr Fuge.

A joint venture between INTEC Energy Solutions and COMPLANT has been appointed to deliver the project, bringing together their combined engineering, procurement, and construction expertise.

Expected to begin operations in the second half of 2028, the Glorit solar farm will contribute additional renewable electricity to New Zealand’s grid with capability to support greater system resilience through future energy storage and firming capability. The project has been consented to include a DC‑coupled battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling solar generation to be stored and dispatched when needed, helping support New Zealand’s ambition to further increase the share of renewable electricity in its energy mix while maintaining energy security.

This milestone builds on the strong delivery track record between Lightsource bp and Contact, including the 168MWdc Kōwhai Park Solar Farm in Christchurch, which is nearing energisation and is expected to be fully online later this year.