New company Lodestone Energy has announced a $300 million plan to build more than 500,000 solar panels on 500ha in Northland and Bay of Plenty.
But the panels will be high enough for farming to continue underneath them, with only a 15% reduction to the livestock operation.
This dual-stream system is already taking off overseas with farmers in Australia, Canada and other places seeing the benefits of giving their income, and the national grid, a bit of a boost.
With an ever-increasing need for renewable energy it seems a win-win.
The stock might appreciate the shade as well.
Bryan Gibson
Plans under way for NZ’s first major solar farms
A new company says it intends to build New Zealand’s first major industrial-scale solar farms at a cost of $300 million.
Scientists unravel genome in race against rust
The prospect of losing valued native taonga, including pōhutukawa and ramarama, for good, is both a poignant and pointed incentive for scientists as they unravel the complex myrtle rust fungi.
Mission accomplished for Bremworth’s top man
Paul Alston’s departure from the job of Cavalier Corporation chief executive should not reflect poorly on the company’s all-in change in strategy to sustainable natural fibres in carpets and rugs.
Older cow sets sale record
A 10-year-old in-calf Angus cow made what is believed to be a record price of $16,050 at the Meadowslea Angus female sale for the Fairlie-based Giddings family.
Focus on mental health for rural professionals
South Island rural professionals and others servicing the rural community are invited to an Agri Connect seminar aimed at equipping them with the tools they need to help farmers struggling with stress.
