Massey University is preparing to hold one of the biggest solar farms in New Zealand

In a huge step toward its goal to be net carbon zero by 2030, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has partnered with renewable energy fund Solar Bay, part of Energy Bay in a proposal to host a large onsite solar PV system at its Manawatū campus.

Solar Bay, part of Energy Bay enables the decarbonisation of Australia and New Zealand’s largest commercial and industrial property owners and energy consumers with support of impact capital from Australasia’s largest independent private capital providers.

The arrangement will see Solar Bay, part of Energy Bay own and operate the solar arrays, which are linked solar modules made up of multiple panels, for the next 25 years, with the university purchasing all of the electricity generated. After the initial 25 years ownership of the solar arrays, Solar Bay, part of Energy Bay will then transfer ownership to the university.

The two solar systems will consist of a six megawatt peak (MWp) array on the equestrian grazing area and a 1.87 MWp array over the Orchard Road carpark. A smaller array of approximately 0.07 MWp is also intended for the roof of the new Innovation Complex on Massey’s Auckland Campus.

Subject to final design, the solar arrays are expected to produce 9,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, or approximately 38 per cent of the campus electricity.

The price for the energy purchased by Massey will be lower than the grid energy rate, creating anticipated savings of up to $1m per year in energy costs. Peak usage on the Manawatū campus is 4.2 MW and the university will be able to export any electricity not used on campus, creating another revenue stream.

Chief Property Officer Dr Dave Povey says Massey has been working on reducing its carbon footprint for some time, culminating with the launch of its Climate Action Plan in 2021.

“At the same time, the university’s national energy supply contract was re-tendered in 2021, resulting in a significant increase in energy prices. Together these elements supported us to engage with an alternative energy solution,” Dr Povey says.

Director Sustainability Dr Allanah Ryan says the solar arrays are an exciting step forward to implementing the university’s Climate Action Plan.

“The arrangement with Solar Bay, part of Energy Bay will help us move closer to our goal to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 by moving away from fossil fuels and towards implementing greenhouse gas reduction.

“This move is a very significant and positive step towards meeting our obligations as a university to act in the face of a climate change emergency. This technology will pave the way for future initiatives at Massey, as we act to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” she says.

The university is currently working through the planning application process with construction starting later this year, subject to approvals.