Nova Energy pauses 300MW solar project pending expert review

Nova Energy Limited has voluntarily halted the processing of its application to build a large solar farm near Twizel. The company requested a suspension on October 2 under the fast-track Approvals Act, citing the need to address detailed inquiries from an expert panel.

The proposed Twizel Solar Project would occupy 500 hectares of an 868-hectare site east of the town. The 300-megawatt facility is designed to generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year. Nova Energy filed the initial application in June, seeking rapid approval to begin construction.

The suspension is a direct response to questions regarding the ecological impact of the development. A Nova Energy spokesperson stated that the company needed time to respond thoroughly to the panel’s queries about protecting important animal and plant species. The developer emphasized its recognition of the area’s environmental value and its commitment to a constructive approval process.

This pause mirrors a similar action taken by another developer in the region. In August, Far North Solar Farm Limited suspended its own fast-track application for The Point Solar project on the northern shore of Lake Benmore. That company also cited the need for expert input and research to address panel concerns, a move that sparked local debate.

Mary Murdoch, a spokesperson for a Twizel community group focused on educating residents about fast-track developments, expressed satisfaction with Nova Energy’s approach. She noted that the company made a genuine effort to consult with locals. Murdoch stated, “We feel we have been listened to,” highlighting the positive engagement between the applicant and the district’s residents.

The situation has raised concerns about the interaction between fast-track approvals and new government legislation. Murdoch argued that when combined with the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill, future developments could lose meaningful community consultation. She described the current process as being subject to misuse, a claim Far North Solar Farm denied in August. The Twizel project now awaits the outcome of Nova Energy’s response to the expert panel.