From Dairy to Solar: Lodestone breaks ground at South Island Clandeboye site

South Canterbury turned on a bluebird spring day for Lodestone Energy’s groundbreaking event at the Clandeboye solar farm on Friday, 19 September — the perfect reminder of why we’re building a 27.7 MWp solar farm in the heart of the region.

The ceremony marked the start of construction of our fifth solar farm in New Zealand and our very first in the South Island. Mechanical installation is now underway, marking a major milestone in the company’s renewable energy roadmap.

Lodestone Managing Director, Gary Holden, reflected on our journey as a solar developer and retailer, noting the shift to a future where energy increasingly comes from the edges of the grid to power local communities.

Nigel Bowen, Mayor of Timaru District Council, spoke of a South Island Inc view that welcomes this type of investment to its backyard. “This is really positive. It’s where we want to head in terms of our economic and decarbonisation journey.”

Also with us were representatives from Alpine Energy, our network partner; Ethical Power New Zealand, principal EPC contractor; New Energy; and a number of other suppliers who are playing a critical role in delivering this project.

A milestone for solar in the South Island

Clandeboye is part of Lodestone’s commitment to deliver 5% of New Zealand’s electricity needs through solar. The farm will take around 12 months to build, with operations beginning in Q3 2026. Once complete, it will generate around 43 GWh of certified renewable electricity each year.

Large-scale solar adds valuable diversity to the South Island’s energy mix, complementing hydro generation. With strong generation during summer and dry periods, solar helps preserve hydro lake levels and strengthens the resilience of New Zealand’s electricity supply.

Transitioning to a clean energy future

Clandeboye is the first of several solar projects Lodestone is advancing in the South Island. Two more sites are already consented, with another in planning. Together, they will expand renewable supply and provide clean, affordable electricity for businesses and communities across the region.

“Bringing on generation in the South Island allows us to support a wider base of commercial customers looking for innovative energy solutions to back their business with,” said Sarah McHardy, Lodestone GM of Customer.

The site itself reflects a story of transition. Previously used for dairy farming, the land will shift to solar generation while continuing to support agriculture through sheep grazing amongst the solar arrays. This dual use reduces the inputs required for dairy while keeping the land productive. For the landowners, this provides a way to diversify their income streams and continue to farm the land.

Aerial of Lodestone Energy's Clandeboye solar farm site

Boosting the local economy

The project is also set to deliver economic benefits for South Canterbury. During peak construction, Clandeboye will create approximately 80–100 roles, many of which will be filled by regional contractors and suppliers. Once operational, the farm will be supported by a smaller crew for ongoing maintenance.

The groundbreaking at Clandeboye was an important milestone, not just for Lodestone, but for South Canterbury, and for New Zealand as it chases a decarbonised future.

As construction progresses, we look forward to working with our partners, stakeholders, and the local community to bring this significant project to life.

Lodestone Energy team celebrate groundbreaking at their Clandeboye solar farm site

Lodestone Energy’s team celebrate the groundbreaking of its fifth solar farm project and first in the South Island.

From Dairy to Solar: Lodestone breaks ground at South Island Clandeboye site

Investing in the future