Solar developer Kenny Energy has become the first in New Zealand to run an open Expression of Interest (EOI) process inviting businesses and retailers to purchase power from its solar farms near Auckland.
The EOI, managed by Zeale (formerly EVA Marketplace), offers companies the opportunity to enter into long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for electricity generated at Kenny Energy’s Ardmore and Silverdale solar farms.
Kenny Energy Director Benn Kenny says enabling businesses to contract directly for solar energy is a significant step for the sector.
“For businesses, purchasing power from our solar farms offers long-term price certainty, protection from rising energy costs, and real emissions reductions. It’s a genuine win-win.”
The Ardmore Solar Farm is already operational and produces 20.5 GWh annually – enough electricity to power nearly 3,000 average New Zealand homes for a year. The Silverdale Solar Farm is expected to be operational from late 2027 and will produce around 47.4 GWh per year – roughly enough electricity to power 7,000 homes for a year.
“A PPA with either of these two solar farms allows us to free up capital and pursue further solar projects – bringing more renewable generation onstream and strengthening New Zealand’s long-term energy security,” Kenny says.
The offer is designed to be highly flexible. Businesses currently locked into retail electricity contracts can still participate and will be supported with bundling the solar PPA into supply agreements through a ‘sleeving’ arrangement. The minimum purchase amount is 1MW (2 GWh per year), with a preference for longer-term agreements.
The Expression of Interest (EOI), final negotiations and sleeving arrangements will be facilitated by Zeale.
Zeale Founder Paul Coster says the EOI signals growing momentum in New Zealand’s corporate PPA market.
“Corporate PPAs are a key driver of the clean energy transition globally and it’s encouraging to see them gaining traction in New Zealand.”
“This follows the Government’s recent announcement that it will pursue PPAs for major energy users including Health New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Department of Corrections, as well as the launch of a corporate PPA template and guide to simplify participation for businesses.”
Zeale, BusinessNZ Energy Council, and DLA Piper led the industry initiative that developed the standardised template.
The EOI process includes an initial registration phase and may incorporate early evaluation of sleeving costs and benefits, followed by formal negotiations. The EOI closes on 10 April 2026.
More information can be requested from Zeale. A video of Ardmore Solar Farm is available here.