Northpower is expanding its renewable generation portfolio with the development of Puna Komaru solar farm in Maungatapere, Northland. Scheduled for commissioning in December 2026, the project represents the next stage of Northpower’s investment in locally owned renewable energy and follows the successful delivery of Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru solar farm in Ruawai. Together, the two solar farms will significantly increase the amount of clean electricity generated within the region.
Gifted its name by local hapu Te Parawhau, Puna Komaru means “the source of solar energy” and reflects the connection between people, place and renewable generation. The project has been developed in partnership with Te Parawhau, with kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) underpinning key decisions throughout planning, design and construction.
Once complete, the 18MW solar farm is expected to generate approximately 27GWh of electricity each year which is enough to power around 3,800 homes. Beyond supplying renewable electricity to the grid, the project demonstrates how energy infrastructure can create positive environmental and community outcomes. Measures include protecting culturally significant volcanic stone walls, enhancing surrounding wetlands and planting 12,000 native plants across the site.
For organisations purchasing New Zealand Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs), Puna Komaru offers a tangible example of renewable generation delivering benefits beyond the renewable attributes alone. The project adds new renewable capacity to New Zealand’s electricity and NZECS system while creating lasting local value through community partnership, environmental stewardship and regional investment.
As New Zealand continues its transition to a more sustainable energy future, projects such as Puna Komaru show how renewable generation can be developed in a way that supports both the electricity network and the communities it serves.