Gary Holden
Managing Director
Lodestone Energy
This startup operates large-scale solar farms that generate renewable energy to support New Zealand's transition to a zero-carbon future. By integrating solar power with existing hydro, geothermal, and wind resources, the company enhances local electricity supply while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Clean Technology
- Energy
Updated 6 months ago
Funding
Raised to date
$374.8MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Funding rounds are not available yet.
Founders
Product
Problem
New Zealand's increasing electricity demand and commitment to a zero-carbon future require a rapid expansion of renewable energy generation. Traditional energy sources contribute to carbon emissions, and businesses face pressure to reduce their environmental impact and achieve sustainability targets. Many businesses lack the capital or resources for on-site renewable energy infrastructure.
Solution
Lodestone Energy develops and operates utility-scale solar farms throughout New Zealand, providing a clean energy alternative to traditional power sources. The company offers "Virtual Rooftop Solar," enabling businesses to match their electricity consumption with 100% certified renewable energy generated from Lodestone's solar farms without the upfront capital expenditure of building their own systems. Through the New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS), Lodestone issues Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to customers, allowing them to confidently report zero market-based Scope 2 emissions. Lodestone's agri-voltaic design allows for continued agricultural use of the land around the solar arrays, integrating sustainable energy generation with existing land use. By becoming an electricity retailer, Lodestone simplifies the process for customers to access renewable energy solutions.
Target Audience
Lodestone Energy's primary customers are large commercial and industrial energy users in New Zealand seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, achieve sustainability targets, and secure long-term, cost-competitive renewable energy supply.
Features
- Utility-scale solar farms generating renewable energy for the New Zealand electricity grid
- Virtual Rooftop Solar program enabling businesses to source 100% certified renewable energy without on-site infrastructure
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) issued through the New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS) for Scope 2 emissions reporting
- Agri-voltaic design allowing for continued agricultural activities around solar arrays
- Bi-facial solar panels and single-axis trackers to maximize energy production
- Native tree planting around solar farms to minimize visual impact and create habitats for native birds
- Long-term agreements providing price certainty in a volatile energy market
- Remote monitoring and management of solar farms to ensure optimal performance