Auckland Harbour Bridge lights up with solar

Auckland’s 58-year-old iconic Harbour Bridge is set to be become an attraction for local residents and visitors.

Vector Lights recently used renewable energy technology — stored through 630 solar panels — to light the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Each of the 90,000 LEDs added to the bridge can be individually programmed, allowing for an almost infinite array of designs and effects. The eight-lane motorway bridge will be used to further enhance and celebrate Auckland’s major events.

Vector composed a special six-minute opening show sequence that wowed local residents watching and listening from different vantage points throughout the city, on land and water, last night. The light show featured original music, including the rumbling of Polynesian drumming, and spectacular lighting effects, vividly demonstrating the new lighting capabilities and a smarter way to power Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who was with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and the hordes of spectators watching the bridge light up, said, “Lighting up Auckland’s iconic harbour bridge in such a creative and exciting way adds new vibrancy and excitement to our city.

“Vector Lights has given us another platform from which to celebrate, and the use of solar power reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions.”

Vector’s CEO Simon Mackenzie said, “Vector Lights will be an evolving showcase of new energy solutions that help illustrate what a more sustainable energy future can look like.

“Vector Lights not only showcases what is possible from an energy perspective, it will contribute to Auckland’s allure as a destination and a modern, future-focused community.”

Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between New Zealand-based energy company Vector and Auckland Council, in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency.

Image source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED).