Lodestone Energy

Lodestone Energy is pioneering the largest solar energy project in New Zealand, aiming to revolutionize the energy sector by significantly scaling up solar energy production to meet the nation's zero carbon goals. The company has embarked on an ambitious journey to deploy vast solar farms across the country, which will not only generate 320GWh of renewable energy annually—enough to power 50,000 homes—but also integrate with the existing agricultural landscape, promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use.

The first of these projects are already underway, setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable energy future. Lodestone's innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with practical environmental stewardship. The farms use bi-facial solar panels and single-axis trackers, which are 30%–40% more productive than traditional rooftop solar panels. This technology allows for higher efficiency and lower costs while minimizing embedded carbon.

Moreover, Lodestone Energy is deeply committed to community and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that local communities and iwi are involved and benefit from the development of these solar projects. This includes employing local people in the construction and ongoing operations of the farms, and using the land in a way that allows for dual purposes—energy generation and agriculture—thereby supporting local economies and fostering community support for renewable energy initiatives.

The company's plans don't stop at solar energy production. Lodestone Energy is also exploring the integration of battery storage solutions to further enhance the stability and reliability of the energy supply. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to transition New Zealand to a 100% renewable energy future, aligning with the country's climate goals and supporting global environmental objectives.