Project Overview

The Foxton Solar Farm (SolarGen) is a proposed solar photovoltaic project with a Battery Energy Storage System, located in the Horowhenua District of New Zealand. At approximately 180-200 MWp, it is among the largest solar projects proposed in New Zealand, capable of supplying electricity equivalent to 47,000 homes annually. 

The project is developed by SolarGen, a joint venture between New Zealand's Genesis Energy Limited and FRV Australia, the Australian arm of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures. The facility includes a Battery Energy Storage System and a new 220kV substation, designed to Transpower specifications and connecting to the Bunnythorpe–Haywards 220kV high-voltage transmission line that crosses the site.

The Foxton project sits within a wider renewable energy cluster in the Manawatu-Whanganui 

region. The corridor along the Bunnythorpe–Haywards transmission line is emerging as a significant solar development zone in New Zealand's North Island. 

Another Foxton Solar Farm: Aquila Clean Energy APAC

Foxton Solar Farm Location

The Foxton Solar Farm is located on approximately 400 hectares of land at Walls Road and Motuiti Road near Foxton in the Horowhenua District of New Zealand's North Island. It sits approximately 10 km north of Foxton town center and about 25-30 km southwest of Palmerston North. 

The main project spans approximately 400 hectares of farmland, with key addresses including 304, 352, 364, and 508 Walls Road, as well as 191, 229, 231, and 447 Motuiti Road in Foxton.

Technical Specification

Project Background

Genesis Energy and FRV Australia established the SolarGen joint venture to develop large-scale solar capacity in New Zealand, responding to a structural need for diversification away from New Zealand's heavy reliance on hydroelectric generation. 

The project was announced as SolarGen's North Island flagship while Lauriston was still under construction, with Genesis Energy's CEO Malcolm Johns describing Foxton (as 200 MWp), alongside Leeston (67 MWp), Edgecumbe (127 MWp), and Lauriston (63 MWp), as the core of SolarGen's 500 MWp New Zealand pipeline. 

The New Zealand Government included the SolarGen Foxton project in the Fast-track Approvals Bill announced in October 2024. It was one of 10 solar farms listed in an initial package of 22 renewable energy projects.

Genesis Energy lodged the formal substantive fast-track application on 23 February 2026. The Ministry for the Environment deemed it complete on 16 March 2026 and, on 30 March 2026, confirmed that no competing applications had been received. The application was then referred to the panel convener for determination by an expert panel in April 2026. 

Separately, Aquila Clean Energy APAC began developing its own smaller Foxton Solar Farm on Bergin Road under a conventional RMA consenting pathway, securing resource consents from Horowhenua District Council and Horizons Regional Council in 2022. Updated consents were granted in 2026, and the project entered its early works stage. 

Key Stakeholders

Foxton Solar Farm Project Current Status

The Foxton Solar Farm is currently in the planning & consenting phase, with no construction work started yet. 

Genesis states that construction is expected to begin 12–24 months after consents and financing are finalized. Previously, it was indicated that construction could start around 2027, subject to approvals and funding.

Foxton Solar Farm Project Cost Details

The estimated cost for the Foxton Solar Farm project has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Project Scope

The following is the Project Scope of the Foxton Solar Farm

• National grid connection: Incorporation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and construction of a new 220kV on-site substation facilitates a direct connection to the national grid.
  

• Infrastructure facilities: Installation of supporting infrastructure, including transformers, cabling, security fencing, and maintenance access ways.
  

• Secure electricity supply: The implementation of rigorous grid connection standards and site-wide safety systems, including automated monitoring and fire protection measures, to ensure a reliable and secure electricity supply.
  

• Traffic Management: The integration of a detailed site access and traffic management plan to ease the delivery of equipment and materials while reducing disruption to local road networks and community activities.

Project Timeline

Benefits

The following are the benefits of the project: 

• Enhance grid value: Integrating the Battery Energy Storage System with the solar generation plant enhances the project's grid value.

• Exceptional Grid Integration: The direct connection to the Bunnythorpe-Haywards 220kV national transmission line provides the project with exceptional grid integration, enabling it to deliver power from Manawatu across the entire North Island.
  

• Renewable Energy Generation: The project is expected to generate approximately 345 GWh of renewable electricity annually, which is sufficient to power roughly 47,000 homes.
  

• Emissions Reduction: By providing a large-scale source of clean energy, it supports New Zealand's transition to a low-emissions economy and helps meet climate change commitments, including the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  

• Job Creation: Construction of the solar farm is expected to create significant employment opportunities, with peak numbers reaching up to 250 workers.
  

• Local Economic Growth: The project is projected to generate roughly 93 additional jobs for Horowhenua District residents during construction, along with substantial increases in local wages and salaries.

Conclusion

The Foxton Solar Farm, a proposed solar photovoltaic project, is located in the Horowhenua District of New Zealand. As the largest solar project in New Zealand, it supplies electricity equivalent to 47,000 homes annually. Developed by SolarGen, the facility is designed using a Battery Energy Storage System and a new 220kV substation. 

It represents a strategic shift in New Zealand’s energy landscape by harnessing regional solar resources to support national sustainability targets. Approximately 345 GWh of electricity generation annually, it bolsters the national grid while actively contributing to the country's net-zero carbon targets. 

Overall, by optimizing existing transmission infrastructure, the facility enhances the resilience and efficiency of the region’s energy supply, ensuring that the benefits of the transition are felt directly by the community. 

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