Helios Energy is proposing to build a 300MW solar farm on a 665ha site, with 550,810 solar panels mounted on tracking arrays.
Helios Energy co-owner and managing director Jeffrey Schlichting defended the scale of the project, explaining the size was necessary to ensure financial viability.
Day two of the hearing was marked by a wave of public opposition, with over 80% of the 181 submissions made against the proposal.
A spokeswoman for the Central Otago District Council confirmed conditions will be discussed between the council planner and the applicant’s planner with the outcome due on August 29.
The applicants’ right of reply is due by September 5.
At this point, the commissioners will be in a position to decide whether they are able to close the hearing.
Once the hearing is closed, a final decision will be made within 15 days, the spokeswoman said.
ella.jenkins@alliedmedia.co.nz
