Major Progress at Christchurch Airport with First Panels Installed at Kōwhai Park Solar Farm

(IN SHORT) The Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport has marked the installation and sign-off of its first row of solar panels—the ‘Golden Row.’ Delivered by a partnership between Lightsource bp, Contact Energy, and the airport authority, the 168 MW DC project spans 230 hectares and will generate enough clean electricity to power more than 36,000 homes. This milestone validates the installation process, enabling efficient replication across the site. Company CEOs from Christchurch Airport, Contact Energy, and Lightsource bp highlighted the collaboration’s role in advancing New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. The project also prioritises community and stakeholder engagement to maximise regional economic and environmental gains.

(PRESS RELEASE) CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 2025-Aug-4 — /Travel PR News/ — Construction has hit a landmark moment at Kōwhai Park solar farm in New Zealand, as the very first row of photovoltaic panels—dubbed the ‘Golden Row’—has been fully installed and quality-checked. This achievement paves the way for scaled-up deployment across the 230-hectare site at Christchurch Airport, where Lightsource bp and Contact Energy are working alongside the airport authority to develop one of the country’s largest solar arrays.

The Golden Row milestone confirms that the installation process meets rigorous standards, allowing crews to replicate the method thousands of times to complete the 168 MW DC facility. Upon completion, Kōwhai Park will supply renewable power equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 36,000 homes, directly supporting New Zealand’s ambitious decarbonisation targets and the airport’s vision for a renewable energy precinct.

“This milestone brings our vision to life—transforming airport land into a driver of low-emission energy for our region,” said Justin Watson, CEO of Christchurch Airport. Mike Fuge, CEO of Contact Energy, added, “Kōwhai Park is the first fruit of our joint venture, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can accelerate New Zealand’s renewable energy future.” Adam Pegg, COO for Asia-Pacific at Lightsource bp, remarked, “We’re proud to join forces with Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport to deliver long-term decarbonisation solutions through large-scale renewables.”

As work advances, the project team remains committed to engaging local communities and stakeholders, ensuring the solar farm brings enduring environmental and economic benefits to the Christchurch region.

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SOURCE: Christchurch International Airport Limited