Tauhei Solar Park – NZ’s First 200 MW Agrivoltaic Giant
Shovels hit the ground last month in Waikato where the 202 MW Tauhei Solar Park will pair 329 000 panels with sheep grazing over 182 ha. When complete in 2026 it will pump out 280 GWh per year—enough for ~35 000 homes. (pv magazine India, EVs & Beyond)
Agrivoltaics lets farmers earn dual income, improves land use, and keeps grass neatly trimmed—no mowers required.
NSW Central-West Orana REZ – 7.7 GW of Clean Power in the Pipeline
Across the ditch, New South Wales has green-lit construction of Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a mega-grid upgrade that will connect up to 7.7 GW of solar, wind, and storage by 2028. (PV Tech) EnergyCo’s contract award marks the transition from planning to delivery, with transmission corridors now being surveyed.
Why These Projects Matter to Everyday Homeowners
- Lower Wholesale Prices: More renewables on the grid = cheaper daytime power, flattening peak prices over time.
- Grid Stability: Large-scale batteries and firming services tied to REZs smooth out intermittency, improving reliability for all.
- Skill & Job Growth: Thousands of construction, electrical, and maintenance roles will be created great news if you (or your kids) are in the trades.
The Bigger Picture
IEA data shows solar PV module prices dropped another 30 % between 2020-24 globally. With Australasia adding gigawatts at both rooftop and utility scales, the region is on track to make solar its cheapest bulk electricity source well before 2030.
