Hawke’s Bay Airport has opened an Expression of Interest process for a smaller 12-17MW solar farm, after an earlier 45MW proposal was not pursued.
Hawke’s Bay Airport has opened an Expression of Interest process for its proposed solar farm, inviting delivery and co-investment partners to come forward. The move marks an important milestone for the project, which is being positioned as a foundation for the region’s renewable energy needs. Airport chief executive Nick Flack says demand for renewable electricity in aviation is expected to grow substantially by 2050, potentially reaching 20 times current levels.
A 12 to 17MW solar farm is proposed for a 24-hectare site northwest of the runways. The airport says the site’s generation capability would be equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 3,000 Hawke’s Bay households.
Scaled-back project follows shelved 45MW plan
The EOI process follows an earlier decision by Hawke’s Bay Airport and Manawa Energy, now owned by Contact Energy, not to proceed with a larger 45MW solar development. Flack says infrastructure projects of this scale often go through several iterations as feasibility, commercial viability and business priorities are tested.
“After exploring the options with Manawa, both parties agreed the best path forward was for the airport to continue developing plans for a smaller, fit-for-purpose solar farm that better aligns with our long-term requirements,” he says.
No final investment decision has been made. Flack says feasibility work has supported progressing the project to the EOI stage, which will help determine the airport’s preferred delivery, ownership and investment model. This work will run over the next 12 months alongside consenting, engineering and community engagement.
Flack also acknowledged input from local stakeholders, including Mana Ahuriri Trust and Unison, during the project’s development. He says the current phase is focused on understanding market appetite and capability across construction, operations and potential co-investment structures.
Parties interested in the EOI, along with members of the public seeking further information, can find details on the airport’s website.
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