Farmlands FLEX launches at Fieldays 2025
Farmlands FLEX – a bold new step towards supporting farmers to take control of their electricity costs
On 11 June 2025, Ara Ake chief executive Cristiano Marantes (right in image), joined the Minister of Energy Simon Watts (left), Andrew Pegler from Blackcurrent, and Tanya Houghton, CEO of Farmlands, to celebrate the launch of Farmlands FLEX – a step towards supporting farmers to take control of their electricity costs.
This exciting partnership between energy innovator Blackcurrent and Farmlands is focused on helping rural businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuels by bringing solar, batteries, and smart software onto the farm. Everyday equipment like rooftop solar panels becomes a smart energy asset – helping lower power bills and even generate income by selling electricity back to the grid.
This technology will have a tangible impact on energy resilience in rural communities, while also helping position Aotearoa as a global leader in agri-energy innovation.
By managing on-farm energy as a microgrid, farmers can make better use of their own renewable power and take part in demand response – unlocking new opportunities to earn income.
Ara Ake is proud to contribute to this impactful initiative, which will strengthen the resilience and affordability of energy for farming communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Learn more: www.flexenergy.co.nz
