New Zealand based renewable energy company Helios Energy says it has developed approximately 1 GW of grid connected solar energy pipeline across the country over the last 2 years which it has been 'quietly developing'.
Led by a team of renewable energy professionals from New Zealand and the US, Helios is backed by a senior Google executive Urs Hölzle who has made a private investment of undisclosed amount contributing to the company's Series A funding, as well as its solar development pipeline in New Zealand.
Helios management added that Hölzle's investment is not linked to Google, but identified him as a global leader on decarbonization and renewables development as he led the team that developed the technology giant's commitment to go carbon free 24×7 by 2030.
"We expect to be making site development announcements and resource consent applications over the coming months. We will also be looking to engage on regulatory settings that can support solar developments right across the country," said the company's Director Jason McDonald.
New Zealand is in the news of late for various solar PV projects and partnerships being announced here including a 500 MW joint venture between Genesis Energy and FRV Australia (see 500 MW Solar Joint Venture For New Zealand).