Renewables
Bringing power home
Northpower invests in renewable energy generation to decarbonise NZ’s energy system, improve energy security and grow Northland’s economy – by Northland, for Northland.
We support New Zealand’s electrification and decarbonisation goals to take genuine climate action. Investing in renewables supports the shift toward a low-carbon future. Generating more electricity locally reduces reliance on external energy sources, strengthening our energy security.
We build, own, and operate local renewable projects to create long-term opportunities aligned with sustainability and community ownership goals. Community ownership is through Northpower Electric Power Trust, ensuring benefits flow back to Northlanders.
Learn more about our current projects:
Puna Komaru solar farm Maungatapere, Whangārei
Wairua hydro power station Titoki, Whangārei
Wide-reaching benefits
Renewable generation brings a wealth of benefits to local communities.
- Economic growth: Investing in local businesses, creating jobs, and developing talent.
- Community engagement: We actively involve local communities to ensure renewable projects meet their needs and values.
- Environmental protection: Projects prioritise protecting and enhancing Northland’s natural environment and biodiversity.
- Skills growth: We support the growth of local skills and employment in the renewable energy sector.
- Sustainable energy transition: The commitment supports New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
How grid-scale solar works
Sunlight is converted to electrical energy via photovoltaic (PV) cells. Direct current (DC) generated from PV panels is converted to alternating current (AC) by inverters.
Voltage is stepped up to 33kV for efficient transmission.
Generation is managed and monitored by Northpower’s 24/7 control room.
Electricity is sold on the wholesale market or contracts. Retailers supply homes and businesses with renewable energy.
Our commitments
Our guiding whakataukī: Kia ū kāhikatea ki tū – success through unity of purpose. We are committed to renewable energy generation to achieve positive outcomes for the following groups.
- Community: Open, transparent, kanohi ki te kanohi engagement.
- People: Building futures by growing skills and capability.
- Environment: Sustainability at the heart of what we do.
- New Zealand: Playing our part in decarbonisation and electrification.
Sustainability is at the heart of our community-based generation
We are committed to delivering renewable energy projects that uphold the highest standards of environmental protection and kaitiakitanga. Our approach ensures that every project enhances the natural environment, protects local ecosystems, and minimises waste throughout construction and operation.
We embed rigorous environmental management into every stage of delivery, including:
- Fauna and whenua protection through careful planning and monitoring.
- Advanced silt and erosion controls to protect waterways and prevent sediment loss.
- Wetland protection measures, ensuring sensitive areas are preserved and enhanced.
- Fish management plans are designed to safeguard indigenous species and support their habitats.
We work closely with suppliers and contractors to reduce waste at the source and promote sustainable material use:
- Packaging reduction initiatives with our partners.
- Recycling all possible materials generated on-site.
- Commitment to diverting construction waste from landfill wherever feasible.
- Restoring native ecosystems.
Beyond minimising our footprint, we actively regenerate local environments through:
- Native wetland restoration, enhancing biodiversity and long-term ecological resilience.
- Riparian planting programmes to stabilise waterways, improve water quality, and re-establish native habitat corridors.
