First solar farm fast-tracked

Haldon Solar Farm is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process.

Lodestone Energy Limited lodged its application in September 2025, with approval taking around eight months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.

"Haldon Solar Farm near Lake Benmore, 14 km southeast of Twizel, is expected to generate 370 GWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power around 45,000 households," says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

"Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience."

The decision | Haldon Solar Farm