Genesis secures fourth solar site as renewables strategy accelerates

Genesis Energy has entered into a conditional agreement to purchase a 67 MWp consented site near Leeston in Canterbury. The site is expected to start generating electricity in 2027.

The acquisition is the fourth solar project site acquired by Genesis. The first, a 63 MWp site at Lauriston in Canterbury developed with joint venture partner FRV Australia, began generating in November 2024. The second, a 200 MWp early-stage development near Foxton in Manawatū-Whanganui, was accepted for inclusion in the Fast Track Approvals Act and will also be developed with FRV.

Genesis is also independently developing an advanced stage 127 MWp consented site near Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty. That site is expected to start generating electricity in 2027.

The Leeston site, developed by KeaX, covers 111 hectares and will generate around 110 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power around 15,700 households.

FID is expected in Q2 FY26 followed by the start of construction. Genesis will purchase all of the electricity generated by the Leeston solar farm.

Genesis’ Chief Wholesale Officer Tracey Hickman said the Leeston acquisition is another proof point of Genesis’ Gen35 strategy to increase renewable generation, freeing up to 1,400 MW of generation capacity at Huntly Power Station to support energy security for the country, particularly during dry years when hydro lakes are low.

“We’re delivering our Gen35 target to build up to 500 MW of grid-scale solar by FY28,” said Hickman. “We’ve seen through our experience at Lauriston the benefit of purchasing advanced developments that we can get to market quickly, helping meet the increasing demand for electricity as the country progresses toward its commitment to net zero 2050.

“This acquisition comes right on the heels of the completion of the Lauriston solar farm. Leeston is only 30 minutes’ drive away and the project is pretty much a plug and play of Lauriston. We’re excited to shift our attention and learnings to Leeston and move forward at an accelerated pace,” says Hickman.

Like Lauriston, the Leeston site has been leased from a farmer with the intention to have grazing continue once the site is operational.

www.genesisenergy.com