Genesis Energy has secured fast-track approval to develop a 220-megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm near Foxton in New Zealand’s Horowhenua District, marking another major step in the country’s transition toward renewable energy.
The proposed Foxton Solar Farm will be located about 10 kilometers north of Foxton and will cover approximately 400 to 436 hectares of rural land. Genesis Energy submitted its application in February 2026, with an independent expert panel completing its assessment and granting consent within three and a half months.
The project will feature around 150,000 photovoltaic panels installed on single-axis tracking systems. These trackers will follow the sun’s movement during the day, helping maximize electricity generation. Once operational, the solar farm is expected to generate approximately 345,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to supply around 43,000 to 47,000 homes.
The development is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 25,000 tonnes each year. It will connect directly to an existing 220-kilovolt overhead transmission line that crosses the property, supporting efficient integration of the generated electricity into New Zealand’s power grid.
The project is expected to provide significant economic benefits to the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Construction could create up to 250 local jobs, while regional businesses in transport, hospitality, accommodation and equipment supply are also expected to benefit. Following construction, ongoing operations and maintenance activities will create longer-term opportunities for local contractors and workers.
Genesis Energy has also designed the project to maintain the agricultural use of the land. The solar panels will be elevated on driven piles, allowing sheep and other livestock to continue grazing beneath the arrays. This approach enables the land to support both renewable electricity generation and agricultural activity.
The Foxton project is the 32nd initiative and the eighth renewable energy development to receive approval through New Zealand’s accelerated consenting regime. The government says fast-track projects are helping strengthen regional resilience and expand national electricity capacity.
Collectively, fast-tracked renewable projects are expected to add more than 990 MW of clean energy to New Zealand’s grid, increasing total electricity generation capacity by more than 5 percent. The Foxton Solar Farm is expected to operate for at least 35 years, contributing to the country’s long-term clean energy goals.
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