Channel looks to solar, due to rising energy costs

Channel Infrastructure head Naomi James says rising electricity costs could drive her company off-grid. (Image: Channel)

Ian Llewellyn

Thu, 18 Aug 2022

Higher energy prices have driven Channel Infrastructure to revive the idea of building a solar farm on the site of the former Marsden Point oil refinery and possibly drop off the national electricity grid.Channel was born out of Refining New Zealand after it closed the refinery and became primarily an importer of refined oil products.Its electricity use has dropped by about 85% since the change, but it still uses about 35-gigawatt hours (GWh) a year.Chief executive Naomi James said the power bill for Channel is now about $10 million a year, spl...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket starts week up 0.6%

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,449.85, up 80.45 points or 0.6%.

Graham Skellern 24 Nov 2025

Economy

Kiwi Property Group's interim profit lower as write-downs bite

The property company reiterates its full-year dividend views.

Andy Macdonald 24 Nov 2025

Kiwi Property Group's interim profit lower as write-downs bite

Economy

Penk announces compulsory building warranties

Under the proposed change, those responsible pay their share only.

Staff reporters 24 Nov 2025

Penk announces compulsory building warranties

Sponsored

Spark Accelerate: Are you ready for exponential AI growth?

Spark

Sponsored

Cybersecurity skills gap leaving Kiwi businesses at risk - report

A cybersecurity skills shortage is creating additional cyber risks, according to a new global report.

Fortinet

More Energy

Markets

Another solar farm gets the nod from Genesis

Genesis Energy has approved the construction of the Edgecumbe Solar Farm in the Bay of Plenty, marking its second major solar commitment in as many months.The company made a final investment decision (FID) on the 136 megawatt peak (MWp) farm, clearing the way for work to begin sh...

Ian Llewellyn 24 Nov 2025