What did Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ) announce regarding the Bunnythorpe Solar Farm?

Meridian Energy has secured resource consent to build a 120MW solar farm and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bunnythorpe, New Zealand. The project, located on a 280-hectare site, is designed to generate 225GWh of electricity annually.

How does the Bunnythorpe project fit into the Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ) long-term strategy?

The Bunnythorpe Solar Farm is a core component of Meridian’s $3 billion capital expenditure programme aimed at boosting New Zealand’s renewable capacity by 2030. It is the company’s second integrated "energy park," following a similar model to the Ruakākā Project.

What is the expected generation capacity and output of the new solar farm?

The facility will feature approximately 250,000 solar panels with a total nameplate capacity of 120MW. It is forecast to produce 225GWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power roughly 30,000 average homes.

Why is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) important for Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ)?

The inclusion of a BESS allows Meridian to store energy during periods of low demand and release it when prices or demand peak. This provides essential grid stability and helps mitigate the revenue risks associated with the variable nature of solar power.

What are the key financial and economic impacts of the Bunnythorpe construction?

The construction phase is expected to inject approximately $50 million into the local Manawatū economy and create over 100 jobs. While this represents a significant upfront cost (capex) for Meridian, the project is part of a larger investment intended to lower long-term generation costs.

Is the Bunnythorpe Solar Farm project guaranteed to proceed?

No, the project is currently subject to a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the Meridian Board, which is not expected until late 2027. While securing resource consent is a major regulatory hurdle cleared, the board will still need to evaluate the economic environment and project costs before committing the final funds.

Meridian secures consent for major Manawatū solar farm

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May. 14 2026

Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ) secured resource consent for the Bunnythorpe Solar Farm.

Situated on a 280-hectare site between Ashhurst and Stoney Creek Roads, the project is positioned adjacent to Transpower’s Bunnythorpe substation.

The development marks Meridian’s second integrated energy park, following the Ruakākā project in Whangārei, and represents a critical step in the company’s $3 billion investment strategy to enhance national energy capacity by 2030.

The facility will feature approximately 250,000 solar panels with a total capacity of 120MW.

Once operational, it is expected to generate roughly 225GWh of electricity annually—a volume sufficient to power an estimated 30,000 average homes.

Beyond generation, the site will host a Battery Energy Storage System, providing essential grid stability and ensuring a more reliable, affordable power supply for the region.

The construction phase is forecast to inject $50 million into the regional economy and create over 100 local jobs.

Guy Waipara, Meridian’s GM of Development, emphasised the company’s long-standing connection to the Manawatū community through its existing Te Apiti and Te Rere Hau wind farms.

While consent has been granted, the project awaits a final investment decision by the Meridian board in late 2027, trailing similar decisions for the Mt Munro and Te Rere Hau wind farm expansions.