The New Zealand Government has approved Genesis Energy’s Tekapo Power Scheme as the first renewable energy project cleared under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The decision, finalized after an 80-day review by an expert panel, ensures continued operation and maintenance of the Tekapo A and B hydro stations, substations, and canal system in Canterbury.
Factsheet for Tekapo Power Scheme as the First Renewable Energy Project Under Fast-Track Approvals Act
Location: Canterbury, New Zealand
Developer/Operator: Genesis Energy Limited
Technology: Tekapo A and B Hydroelectric generation
Generation Capacity: Supplies electricity for 228,000 households in Canterbury
Process Applied: Fast-track Approvals Act, 2025
Draft Decision Issued: 6 October 2025
Final Approval: 3 November 2025
Status: Approved. Full operational continuity secured.
Project Timeline
July 2023: Genesis applies for standard RMA consent to continue Tekapo operations.
April 2025: Application transferred to the Fast-track process to avoid delays.
July 2025: Expert panel appointed under Jane Borthwick.
October 2025: Draft decision issued supporting the continuation of Tekapo Scheme.
November 2025: Final decision approves Tekapo – the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Act.
Fast-Track Approvals Act
The Fast-track Approvals Act has been active since February 2025, after proposal to parliament in October 2024. It is part of a wider legislative reform intended to balance environmental impact with faster project delivery. With over 140 projects eligible for consideration, the green light of Tekapo as the first renewable energy project under Fast-Track Approval Act is a telling sign for other hydropower, solar, and wind assets under renewal queries.
Other projects approved alongside Tekapo include Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North Berth infrastructure extension, Maitahi Housing Village, and the Milldale housing stages 4C and 10 to 13.
Projects currently in line for expert review include Southland Wind Farm, Sunfield Masterplanned Community, Drury Metropolitan Centre, Waihi North and Kings Quarry Expansion, among others.
Waitaha Hydro, Haldon Solar, Waitakere’s new courthouse project, Kaimai Hydro-Electic Power Scheme, and the Point Solar Farm are also under consideration for panel appointment to fast-track their delivery certainty.
Outlook on Tekapo and Renewable Energy Project Under Fast-Track Approvals Act
Genesis Energy’s Tekapo scheme will continue supporting New Zealand’s goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030. It is a key grid stabilizer across the South Island. The fast-track framework is also paving way for pending renewable projects such as Waitaha Hydro, Haldon Solar, and the Point Solar Farm. It is expected to potentially shorten approval windows from years to months.
To the archipelago’s west, Australia also recently approved 20 renewable energy projects under its CIS Tender 4. The projects are expected to foster Aussie’s decarbonization efforts and support grid modernization.
