AWARDS FINALIST: Ecotricity, Endless Energy, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – Stadium leads low-carbon sport charge

In a move to decarbonise public venues and inspire climate action through sport, Go Media Stadium – home to the One NZ Warriors and Auckland FC – has become the first stadium in New Zealand to install a large-scale solar energy system.

The initiative, delivered through a partnership between Ecotricity, Endless Energy, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, saw more than 1700 solar panels installed across the stadium's east and west stands.

To cope with limited rooftop access and exposure to extreme weather, the team at Endless Energy used a helicopter to lift panels and equipment on to the roof – a first for a solar project in New Zealand.

Advanced wind modelling, custom racking systems and lightweight, high-efficiency panels were also required to ensure the system could withstand the elements while maximising performance.

Mini solar-farm

The resulting "mini solar-farm" is forecast to generate 800 megawatt-hours of clean electricity a year – enough to cover about 60 per cent of the stadium's energy needs and reduce its operational carbon footprint by the equivalent of 36 tonnes of CO2 each year. When exported energy is taken into account, the emissions savings could reach up to 100 tonnes a year.

But the partners say the project's impact goes beyond numbers. The sports and events industry is estimated to produce 350 million tonnes of CO2e globally each year. By integrating solar into one of New Zealand's busiest stadiums, the project demonstrates that even complex, high-profile venues can embrace renewable energy.

A key enabler was Ecotricity's electricity pricing model. By offering time-of-use rates and solar buyback options from the outset, the plan incentivised investment in solar without penalising reduced grid consumption.

Benefits

This approach, typically reserved for large-scale solar farms, was adapted for commercial use – removing financial barriers and encouraging decentralised generation.

The benefits are already being felt. The stadium has improved energy resilience, reduced its operational costs by more than $100,000 annually, and lessened its reliance on ratepayer funding. The system is expected to pay for itself within six to eight years.

Beyond the stadium, the project has sparked interest from other councils and venue operators, eager to replicate its success. A video case study and ongoing advocacy from Ecotricity and Endless Energy aim to spread the message further, showing that solar is not just viable – it's vital.

The annual Energy Excellence Awards will be held in Wellington on 13 August. The Low Carbon Future Award is sponsored by Energy Resources Aotearoa.