Strategic Projects

Net Zero & Decarbonisation

If you’re looking to reduce emissions, whether that be by travel, energy or waste, we can help you understand why it’s important, how to measure and what specifically you can reduce.

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Great South plays a coordinating role in helping Murihiku Southland transition to a low-emissions future. Our work is guided by the Murihiku Southland Regional Energy Strategy, which provides a long-term framework for renewable energy development, energy security and resilience. We work with businesses, councils, energy providers and government agencies to support practical decarbonisation, with a strong focus on energy.

Across the region, emissions have reduced by 9.7% since 2018, driven by a shift away from fossil fuels and increased use of renewable energy. Our work spans long-term planning, project support, funding pathways and regional coordination.

Solar is an increasingly attractive option for individuals, property owners, businesses and community facilities wanting to reduce energy costs and emissions while also strengthening energy resilience and security.

We help people explore solar by supporting feasibility assessments, understanding demand, and navigating funding and regulatory considerations.

Solar Energy in Southland: Tools and Insights

Great South has developed a set of practical resources to help Southland households, farms and businesses explore solar energy and make informed investment decisions.

Together, these tools provide both the big picture and the step-by-step guidance needed to understand solar potential and move from idea to action.

Discover your solar potential

Interested in understanding how much solar energy is available at your place?

Our solar, interactive map lets you check the solar potential anywhere in Southland, perfect for homeowners, farmers, and businesses exploring solar options.

Find your location HERE

Understanding solar potential

The Southland Murihiku Energy Strategy Implementation provides a region-wide view of where solar energy is most viable across the region.

It uses local data and modelling to identify areas with strong solar potential and explains the key factors that influence performance. This is a useful starting point for understanding what’s possible in your location.

Making an informed decision

The Solar Decision Making diagram is a practical step-by-step guide to help you assess whether solar is right for you.

It takes you through everything from understanding your energy use to assessing costs, feasibility and next steps.

How to use them

Start with the map to explore your location, use the resource assessment for deeper insight, then follow the decision flow to take the next step.

Murihiku Southland has strong wind resources. We support wind-related work by helping align projects with regional priorities, infrastructure planning and community considerations, ensuring developments are well integrated into the wider energy system.

Biomass has been a major focus of Southland’s decarbonisation efforts. 127 of 186 industrial boilers have already been converted to renewable energy, supported by growth in the regional biomass supply from 20,000 tonnes in 2018 to over 215,000 tonnes in 2024.

We help businesses explore whether biomass is a viable option, understand the practical and funding considerations, and connect with the right partners to support their decarbonisation journey.

Hydro remains a cornerstone of the region’s energy system. We support work that considers how hydro continues to contribute to a secure, reliable and low-emissions energy supply alongside emerging technologies.

All of this work is guided by the Murihiku Southland Regional Energy Strategy, providing a long-term framework for renewable energy, resilience and security.