The consent application for a controversial Maniototo solar farm project has been paused while the company addresses community concerns.

Helios Energy proposed to install half a million (550,810) solar panels and 32 shipping containers of lithium battery storage near Naseby.

The application was put on hold from January 23 following the submission period, which attracted 171 submissions - all but 35 were opposed.

But Helios is confident it can work to address community concerns regarding its proposed solar farm in the Maniototo.

Sarah Brooks of Helios said the company had requested the application to be put on hold to allow staff time to consider and respond to the range of feedback.

“Large scale solar projects have been successfully installed and operated around the world over the past twenty years, including in conditions similar to those in the Māniatoto. 

“When designed, built and operated in accordance with good industry practice, photovoltaic solar projects are widely considered to be a safe, passive and low impact renewable energy generation technology. 

“However, we acknowledge these projects are new to New Zealand and that there may be some apprehension around the proposed development.”

Helios has spoken out about its proposed solar farm SUPPLIED

Opponent Rose Voice, who lives near where the solar farm would be built, said once the company decided to go ahead with the hearing, submitters would receive 15 days notice to prepare.

It had been very stressful for her and her husband after she started a Facebook page Maniototo Solar and Battery Storage Proposal.

“These projects have been going ahead because there is a huge block of people who believe that they will save the world - and it's not their corner of the world where the quality of life will be destroyed,” one of the recent posts said.

“If we wanted to put an industrial plant that stored highly toxic chemicals and tonnes of heavy metals in the same place as Helios’s American directors or NZ based manager’s home they would all be up in arms about the risk from pollution and fire.”

Helios said it had chosen to follow the district council consent process to provide local residents the opportunity to submit their concerns and requests for more information on aspects of the proposal. 

“Through the hearing process, Helios and our specialist consultants will be providing further objective, evidence-based information to the council in response to matters raised in submissions. 

“As with other successfully consented projects across the country, we are confident we can work to address community concerns."

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