Moa Creek solar

Early-stage solar and battery project proposed for Central Otago

The Moa Creek solar farm is a proposed 300MW utility‑scale solar project in Central Otago, New Zealand, being explored through a joint venture between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy. The proposed project is located near Poolburn and would cover an area of approximately 630 hectares.

The project is currently in the early exploration stage, with a range of technical studies and environmental assessments underway to help inform the potential design and layout. If developed, Moa Creek could generate enough renewable solar electricity to power the equivalent of around 74,000 New Zealand homes each year, supporting New Zealand’s growing electricity demand and the transition to a low‑emissions energy system.

The project is also being designed to allow for battery energy storage (BESS), enabling surplus daytime solar generation to be stored and dispatched during periods of higher electricity demand. The development team is also exploring opportunities for agrivoltaics, allowing agricultural activities such as grazing to potentially continue alongside solar generation.

Lightsource bp and Contact Energy expect to lodge resource consent applications in the second half of 2026 with the Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council. Engagement with mana whenua, local communities and stakeholders will continue as the project progresses.