Blackcurrent: Farmlands FLEX & SIDE Grid Hub
Blackcurrent is driving energy equity in rural Aotearoa New Zealand through modern microgrid solutions that serve farmers and growers, orchards, lifestyle blocks and schools.
Rural communities often face unreliable grid connections and high power costs, with around 50,000 farmers and grower rural electricity customers nationwide. Improving energy reliability, resilience and affordability is key to ensuring these communities can thrive. During 2025, Ara Ake has supported Blackcurrent in two major projects advancing this goal.
Farmlands FLEX
In partnership with Farmlands, Farmlands FLEX empowers farmers to take control of their energy use and costs by turning everyday equipment like rooftop solar panels into smart energy assets. These systems not only help farms reduce fossil fuel reliance but can also generate income by exporting surplus energy to the grid.
SIDE Grid Hub
Blackcurrent’s SIDE Grid Hub project builds on this by enabling power sharing between organisations and their communities across multiple sites. This connected network of localised systems will test the commercial viability of shared energy models and demonstrate value at community, organisational and network levels -improving efficiency, resilience and financial outcomes for rural New Zealand.
Impact unlocked
By managing on-farm energy through interconnected microgrids, farmers can optimise renewable generation, participate in demand response, and improve local resilience - unlocking new income opportunities and reducing emissions. These innovations position Aotearoa as a leader in agri-energy and demonstrate the potential of flexible, community-driven energy systems.
Ara Ake contribution
Ara Ake support has been pivotal in helping Blackcurrent expand its reach and validate the real world benefits of Farmlands FLEX and SIDE Grid Hub. Through co-funding and collaboration, Ara Ake has accelerated the adoption of new rural energy solutions, strengthening resilience, affordability and sustainability across Aotearoa’s farming communities.
www.blackcurrent.io
Media
- 12 June 2025: Farmland FLEX launches at Field Days 2025
- 20 December 2024: Celebrating projects through the Impact Report 2024