Wednesday 27th November 2024

This year, the Sustainable Business Network took a bold new direction in the format of its longstanding Sustainability Awards. In its 22^nd year, SBN introduced the Next 95 – a list of innovators and entrepreneurs who are pioneering new ways of doing business at the forefront of sustainability.

Lodestone Energy was humbled to be recognised as one of only two category winners amongst an inspirational group, taking home the 2024 ‘Disruptive Innovation Award’.

The award, which is sponsored by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, celebrates fearless trailblazers who are rewriting the rules of business-as-usual, disrupting existing systems and driving significant positive environmental and social impact.

Transforming the renewable energy landscape

As the first to bring utility-scale solar generation to Aotearoa, Lodestone is accelerating New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals by delivering a new supply of certified clean energy. Simultaneously, it is driving economic sustainability through its innovative Virtual Rooftop Solar solution, which offers businesses long-term price certainty in an increasingly volatile energy market. Having commissioned its first two farms in 2024, with another two under construction and 8 more in planning, Lodestone is actively progressing in New Zealand’s transition to a zero-carbon economy.

Judges Comments:

“Lodestone Energy is redefining New Zealand’s renewable energy landscape through its large-scale solar farms, bringing disruptive innovation and resilience to the sector.

The scope of Lodestone’s impact is impressive. With the capacity to power 50,000 homes, its five solar farms demonstrate that solar power generation is a low cost and viable source of power to help meet the demand of our electrifying economy.

The company’s dual land-use model shows its forward-thinking approach. By raising panels to allow agricultural activities like sheep grazing, Lodestone optimises land use, supporting both energy generation and local agriculture. Meanwhile, the virtual rooftop solar model provides long-term price stability for businesses in a volatile energy market.

Lodestone shows how clean energy solutions can be financially viable, enhancing New Zealand’s energy security and contributing significantly to our zero-carbon ambitions.”

Recognition in 2024

This year, Lodestone has been identified across several industries for the work it’s doing to bring new renewable energy online. Earlier this year, Lodestone Energy was awarded the Building Nations ‘Infrastructure Decarbonisation Award’ and was also announced as a finalist at the Energy Excellence Awards and NZ Compare Supreme Award “Making a Difference”.  

Congratulations to Mike Casey of Rewiring Aotearoa who won the Transformational Leadership Award on the night. Likewise, congratulations to this inspirational group of innovative NZ businesses each doing amazing work in their field.

2024 Disruptive Innovation Award – Commendations