Major Canterbury solar farm proposal gets provisional Fast-track approval

A Canterbury solar farm big enough to cover 320 rugby pitches has been granted provisional approval by a Fast-track panel.

The Haldon Solar Farm will cover about 320 hectares of farmland next to Lake Benmore and generate enough electricity to power 45,000 homes.

The project is being developed by solar company Lodestone which operates four solar farms in the North Island, with six more planned or under construction.

The Fast-track panel invited 19 parties to comment on the proposal including councils, ministers and departments, iwi, electricity infrastructure operators and conservation groups before a final decision.

The panel said Lodestone had submitted "significantly incorrect ecological assessments" with its initial application.

"The panel appreciated the applicant being responsive to this issue and replacing the initial ecological effects assessment and adding effects management measures through the process. However, on several occasions this placed all involved invitees and the panel in a difficult position, particularly given the time constraints of this process," the panel said.

The farm would contain about 360,000 solar panels mounted on steel frames that rotate to align with the sun's path.

Construction was expected to take up to 18 months.

"The solar farm will give rise to adverse impacts. However, for the reasons given in this decision the panel finds that they are not out of proportion to the regional and national benefits," the panel's draft decision said.

"Forest & Bird, Environmental Defence Society, Department of Conservation, Canterbury Regional Council and Mackenzie [District Council] provided a detailed assessment against the decision-making framework in the FTAA and/or the relevant policy documents with Forest & Bird and Environmental Defence Society suggesting that the proposal's benefits are not in proportion to the potential adverse effects and that declining the application would be appropriate."

Lodestone managing director Gary Holden welcomed the draft approval.

"The positive draft decision recognises that renewable energy development and environmental stewardship can be delivered together. Throughout the process we have worked closely with the panel, mana whenua and technical experts to design a project that respects the unique values of the Mackenzie Basin while delivering nationally significant renewable generation," he said.

"We recognise that this project will become part of the landscape for generations to come, and so we are committed to delivering a project with the highest standard of care. This includes an extensive package of conservation initiatives proposed by Lodestone and the Haldon Station management team. It is expected that this project will set the new standard for how landowners, generation companies and regulators can deliver legacy outcomes."