Where is New Zealand's first large-scale battery storage system located?

Meridian Energy has officially opened New Zealand's first large-scale grid battery storage system at Ruakākā, the first of its kind, and a milestone in the country's renewable energy infrastructure development. The Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivers 100 megawatts (MW) of maximum output with 200 MW-hour storage capacity.

Which energy company is building New Zealand's first grid-connected battery energy storage system?

Meridian Energy is building New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at Ruakākā on North Island Paris, January 10, 2023 – Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has been awarded a major contract by Meridian Energy to construct New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected BESS.

Will a 100 mw storage system improve New Zealand's national grid?

The 100 MW storage system, to be operated by Meridian Energy, is designed to improve the stability of New Zealand’s national grid as intermittent renewable power generation increases in the country.

Who is launching New Zealand's largest battery energy storage system?

WEL Networks and Infratec are proud to announce the launch of New Zealand’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with commissioning underway.

Why should New Zealand invest in grid-scale batteries?

Additionally, these batteries, alongside more renewable generation, will help off-set the retirement of thermal generation and support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. The first grid-scale battery was commissioned in 2023 by Hamilton lines company WEL Networks.

Does New Zealand need flexible thermal generation?

e 1: Modelled 2035 thermal generation for the Renewable push scenarioTo deliver the flexible generation required, New Zealand needs a solution that can bala ce the trilemma of security, affordability, and environmental impact. An optimal solution would: Have suff ient storage capacity to be able to cover