Lincoln goes electric in Energy Farm Innovation

Representatives of the Selwyn District Council, including Deputy Mayor Malcolm Lyall and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands were present to witness this significant moment for the university, the district and the country.

Lyall says the Council is thrilled to welcome New Zealand’s first fully electric tractor to Lincoln University, which will be powered by the Lincoln Energy Farm.

“The Energy Farm and electric tractor align with our Waikirikiri Selwyn Economic Development Strategy by delivering future-ready infrastructure and advancing renewable energy and agricultural solutions, positioning Selwyn as a test-bed for innovation.”

The Council recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lincoln University and Lyall says by combining our efforts, we can make better decisions and create positive changes more quickly.

“A key project in our strategy is to develop a local Energy Plan. This will involve collaborating with energy companies, universities, and other partners to explore renewable energy opportunities, including decentralised models.” says Lyall, who adds that the Council will be sharing more about this strategy at a public launch in October.

A new Knegt 404G2E 55HP electric tractor was officially welcomed by Ms Carolien Vis, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to New Zealand, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The new tractor will be a critical component of the Lincoln University Energy Farm and will be key to the farm achieving its goal of being fossil fuel-free.

The Energy Farm will comprise a solar array of around 2,800 photovoltaic (PV) panels generating ~2.3 GWh of renewable energy per year. The installation will be the first in Aotearoa to demonstrate high-value agrivoltaics, with the production of premium horticulture crops like blueberries alongside the generation of commercial-scale solar energy.

The purchase of the Knegt 404G2E tractor was made possible by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Demonstration Fund, Meridian Energy and Power Turf New Zealand.

Lincoln University will present the new electric tractor at the Lincoln Community Day hosted on campus on 22 September and at the Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo being held at Te Pae on 27 and 28 September.

Read more about the Lincoln University Energy Farm.