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• FRV Australia has announced advancing the development of the Rangitīkei solar project in New Zealand, with an installed capacity of approximately 210 MWdc and an expected annual generation of around 350,000 MWh.
• This announcement coincides with the conclusion of its joint venture with Genesis Energy, with whom FRV Australia will continue to co-own and operate the Lauriston solar farm in Canterbury.

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia, a leading developer of sustainable energy solutions, and part of Jameel Energy and the Canadian infrastructure fund OMERS, announces the active development of the Rangitīkei solar project, located in the Rangitīkei District of New Zealand’s North Island, with a proposed  capacity of 210 MWdc. This announcement coincides with the conclusion of its joint venture with Genesis Energy, an agreement that facilitated FRV Australia’s entry into the New Zealand market and accelerated the development of multiple solar projects in the country.

FRV Australia has purchased the Rangitīkei project from the joint venture. Covering an area of approximately 450 hectares, the solar farm will generate around 350,000 MWh per year, enough to power approximately 45,000 homes. In addition, it will help avoid approximately 35,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The project will bring local employment creating a peak of 250 jobs, with an average of 75 workers over an expected 24-month construction period. The project design also includes the potential for future integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS), which will enhance grid flexibility and resilience.

“With Rangitīkei, we are taking another step in our efforts to contribute to New Zealand’s low emission energy future. The development of this project contributes to FRV Australia’s vision of leading the energy transition in this region, supporting local economic development, and contributing to the green electrification goals of Aotearoa,” said Carlo Frigerio, CEO of FRV Australia.

At the same time, FRV Australia has expressed its gratitude to Genesis Energy for its role during the joint venture, noting that the relationship between the two companies will continue through their co-ownership of the Lauriston solar farm (Canterbury), which began generation in November 2024 as the largest solar farm New Zealand at the time.

“We greatly value our collaboration with Genesis, which has been instrumental in this journey and a testimony of the strong partnership and capability to deliver projects. FRV Australia now continues its journey as we explore new renewable development opportunities in the country,” Frigerio added.

On the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, securing a steady supply of fresh produce is becoming increasingly crucial. Often reliant on imports, the island faces high prices and frequent shortages of fresh vegetables. CurHydro, an innovative agricultural company founded in 2018, is answering this challenge with high-tech farming solutions. With support from Green Assist, CurHydro is set to expand its project to provide a sustainable food source for the island community.

In the past years, CurHydro has successfully produced fresh lettuce on 300 m² of land, using solar-powered systems and a method known as hydroponics (growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil). CurHydro currently supplies its produce to local foodservice and retail partners, but growing demand starts to exceed supply. With local interest booming and its commitment to sustainability, CurHydro is ready to expand.

The company has secured a building permit for a new 6-hectare site and is planning the construction of a 1.5 hectare high-tech greenhouse, in partnership with the Spanish manufacturer Rufepa Tecnoagro. This new facility will allow to grow vegetables that are well-suited to hydroponic farming – such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers. This greenhouse will maintain high efficiency and low water consumption, providing a steady supply of fresh, affordable produce grown locally. This helps to reduce imports, boost food resilience on the island, support the local economy by creating jobs, and increase health awareness.

But scaling up this advanced farming model requires strong planning and significant financing. To design a solid business model and attract investors, CurHydro sought tailored support from Green Assist.

From September to December 2024, the company worked with a Green Assist expert to refine its financial strategy, assess funding options, and improve the project’s investment appeal. This included detailed financial modelling, market analysis, and support with identifying public and private sources of funding.

The expert guidance also helped to define a clear implementation roadmap. With land secured, technical feasibility achieved and partnerships in place, the project is now preparing for fundraising, procurement and further construction. The new greenhouse is expected to be operational within two years, creating new local jobs and strengthening food access in Curaçao.

“Thanks to Green Assist, we now have a robust financing roadmap and a sharper investment case. That support accelerated our path to scale so we can deliver reliable, local produce while cutting water use and emissions for a healthier, more resilient Curaçao.” — Shurhensley Thielman Quirindoongo, President & CEO, CurHydro.

The long-term vision is to develop all 6 hectares into a modern agricultural hub, helping build a more self-sufficient, healthy and resilient island food system.

Green Assist aims to build a pipeline for high-impact green investment projects in sectors related to biodiversity, natural capital and circular economy, as well as in non-environmental sectors. 

Learn more about how Green Assist can help you get free tailored support for your green project or contact us at cinea-green-assistec [dot] europa [dot] eu (cinea-green-assist[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu). To request advisory services from Green Assist, simply fill out this short form.