ENERGY MARLBOROUGH

Energy Marlborough

Marlborough Lines is owned by the electricity consumers of Marlborough and in 2021 established Energy Marlborough Limited (EML). Our vision is to energise Marlborough’s future and its growing electricity demand driven by electric vehicle adoption, decarbonising industrial processes, hybrid electric ferries, proposed electric planes and a growing population.  We are a key enabler for these changes and due to Marlborough’s high sun hours and relatively open landscape we see developing solar photo-voltaic generation as one key part of our strategy.

MLL must operate as a successful business and through the Marlborough Electric Power Trust has a history of making investments and providing a return for its consumers through annual distribution payments.
Solar generation offers an opportunity to diversify and strengthen our investment portfolio, whilst developing assets locally and continuing to benefit the people of the region.

Our proposed pipeline of sites demonstrates a significant contribution to the electricity requirements in Marlborough. Our electricity is predominantly transmitted from South Canterbury and incurs considerable energy transmission losses, resulting in higher delivered electricity prices in Marlborough. By producing our own power, we lose less electricity during the long-distance transport of electricity.

EML currently has:

  1. A small 41kW rooftop solar system at MLL’s depot in Blenheim that it is using to test virtual energy sales.
    This virtual arrangement enables customers who for various reasons do not have their own solar systems, to receive power economically and virtually from an Energy Marlborough Ltd solar plant.

  2. Taylor Pass Solar Farm:  An 853 kW ground-mounted solar farm located at the MLL depot in Blenheim that generated first power output in April 2023.

  3. Seaview Solar Farm: A 4MW ground-mounted solar farm located at Seaview Seddon that generated first power in October 2024

  4. Ward Solar Farm: A 9MW ground mount solar farm located over two sites adjacent to the township of Ward.  First generation is expected in Q3 2025. 

EML has other sites in Marlborough that are currently undergoing studies, consenting and business development prior to final investment decisions being made.

Seeking Land for Solar Energy Sites

EML wants to work with Marlborough landowners to realise the full potential of their land as a site for renewable energy. We are looking for sites that are flat, not shaded, and two hectares minimum. They can be shared use – livestock can continue grazing amongst the solar panels. Land can be leased or purchased.

 We are particularly looking for land in the Wairau Valley between the Waihopai River and the sea (Cloudy Bay).

 If you own land that you think could be useful for electricity generation from solar energy you can submit the property details using the button below.