New Plymouth Airport Powers Festival of Lights with Renewable Energy

This summer, the TSB Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park will shine brighter than ever – and greener. For the first time, the festival will run on zero-emission electricity, thanks to a partnership between New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and New Plymouth Airport’s solar farm: Te Matakupenga.

Under a new five-year agreement, around half of NPDC’s electricity needs, 6.2 gigawatt hours, roughly the same as 885 average four-person households — will be supplied directly from the airport’s 14,400-panel, 15-hectare solar farm. The remaining electricity already comes from other renewable sources.

“Like every household, when electricity prices rise, we shop around for the best deal,” said NPDC Climate Change Response Lead Greg Stephens. “The airport solar power offers cleaner, more affordable electricity, cutting our direct emissions by around 10 per cent each year, or 630 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.”

The renewable energy will power not only the Festival of Lights, but also street and traffic lights, water and wastewater services, pools, libraries, council venues, and even the council’s electric vehicle fleet.

New Plymouth Airport Chief Executive David Scott said the arrangement benefits both parties. “Supplying NPDC is a win-win. It provides a buyer for our excess electricity as the solar farm reaches full capacity, while giving the council access to cheaper, greener power.”