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Renewable energy

Fast-Track Renewable Energy Project Green-Lit in New Zealand

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed the approval of the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project involves the continuation of the Tekapo power scheme, which includes the Tekapo A and B power stations and substations, and the canal system. This approval follows the approval of several other major infrastructure projects, including the Port of Auckland expansion and the Milldale development in Auckland.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fast-track Approvals Act has green-lit the first renewable energy project, the Tekapo power scheme, which will continue to operate and maintain the Tekapo A and B power stations and substations, and the canal system.
  • The project was initially lodged as a standard RMA resource consent in July 2023 but was fast-tracked in April 2025, with the process taking just 80 days once a panel was appointed.
  • The Tekapo power scheme generates enough clean electricity to power more than 228,000 Canterbury households and plays a vital role in keeping the grid reliable.
  • The Ministers are working on legislative changes to speed up the fast-track process and iron out problematic areas.
  • 18 projects have now been referred into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure.
  • The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects that can apply for consideration by an expert panel.
  • Projects approved by expert panels include Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension, Maitahi Village, Milldale, and the Tekapo Power Scheme.

Statistics:

  • 80 days: The time taken for the process to be completed once a panel was appointed for the Tekapo power scheme.
  • 228,000: The number of Canterbury households that the Tekapo power scheme generates enough clean electricity to power.
  • 18: The number of projects have now been referred into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure.
  • 149: The number of projects listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act that can apply for consideration by an expert panel.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE (November 3, 2025) - "Fast-track renewable energy project green-lit"
  • "Tekapo Power Scheme - Applications for Replacement Resource Consents" (Genesis Energy Limited)
  • Fast-track Approvals Act (Government of New Zealand)

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