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NZ Clean Energy Secures Full Resource Consent For Landmark Darfield Project
NZ Clean Energy (NZCE) is pleased to announce that the Darfield Solar & Energy Storage Project has been granted District Resource Consent by Selwyn District Council, making it now fully consented.
This milestone confirms Darfield as one of New Zealand’s largest solar developments and a flagship project for Canterbury. It will deliver 117 MW of solar capacity with optional battery storage of up to 106 MW / 200–400 MWh, producing around 210 GWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power 23,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes each year.
“We are delighted to have achieved this consent milestone and look forward to working with the Selwyn District and local communities to deliver a project of regional and national significance,” said George Hughes, COO of NZ Clean Energy. “Darfield is a cornerstone of our portfolio and reflects our commitment to building a sustainable energy future for Aotearoa.”
Key Project Highlights
- Strategic location: 1.5 km north of Darfield on a 148-hectare site, directly adjacent to Fonterra’s Kimberley Factory, offering industrial offtake opportunities.
- Strong grid connection: direct underground cable link to Orion-owned Kimberley Substation.
- Co-Use with agriculture: sheep grazing to continue post-construction, ensuring land use compatibility.
- Economic impact: ~100 jobs during construction and permanent roles for operations and maintenance.
- Project lifecycle: 40 years of clean energy generation.
Growing NZCE’s Portfolio
The Darfield consent brings NZ Clean Energy’s portfolio of fully consented projects to more than 300 MW, alongside developments in Masterton and Dannevirke.
Construction of NZCE’s 100MW Masterton Solar Farm is due to start in early 2026 with construction of the Darfield Solar & Energy Storage Project scheduled to begin alongside it, marking an important step in New Zealand’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system.
“Achieving full consent for Darfield is a major milestone for our team, our partners, and the Canterbury region,” said George Hughes, COO of NZ Clean Energy. “We are excited to deliver clean, reliable, and resilient energy for local communities and for New Zealand’s future.
About NZ Clean Energy
Founded in 2022, NZ Clean Energy (NZCE) develops, builds, owns, and operates large scale renewable energy projects across New Zealand, with a focus on solar and energy storage. The company holds over 300 MW of fully consented projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1.5 GW. Its first projects, located in Masterton (Wairarapa) and Darfield (Selwyn District), will begin construction in 2026. NZCE is committed to working with local communities to drive the transition towards clean, reliable, and locally produced energy.
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