New Zealand developer prepares 1GW PV pipeline with Google exec's backing

• New Zealand-based energy developer Helios Energy has actually introduced a pipeline of 1GW of grid-connected solar projects to be established in the country.

The brand-new business has actually collected developers from the USA and also New Zealand to develop grid-scale solar developments in New Zealand with the leadership team bringing its international experience that has led development over 2GW of renewable energy projects across different areas consisting of The United States and Canada, the UK or Asia.

In addition, Helios is backed by an elderly Google executive, Urs Hölzle, who led the Google team that created the United States tech business's carbon-free by 2030 commitment. Hölzle made a personal financial investment of Series A capital right into the firm and its solar pipeline in New Zealand.

Jason McDonald, supervisor at Helios, claimed: "We're widely delighted concerning the opportunity to take a lead role in changing New Zealand's energy market in service of satisfying New Zealand's climate modification commitments and also democratising involvement in our energy system."

McDonald included the business will be making announcements over the coming months regarding site developments and resource approval applications with Helios dedicated to build partnerships with landowners, communities as well as tangata whenua ("people of the land").

New Zealand's solar sector is still nascent as it only stands for 0.5% of the country's total electricity supply with 201MW of set up grid as of March 2022, according to The Electricity Authority (EMI).