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.

Why are battery energy storage systems important in New Zealand?

There is growth in renewable energy generation as New Zealand moves to a low carbon economy. But renewable energy like solar and wind are intermittent which means Battery Energy Storage Systems, which can be flicked on to supply power quickly, are important to manage winter peaks, and to make the national power grid resilient.

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Is New Zealand a key market for storage solutions?

Power Electronics NZ Ltd Operations Director Brent Sheridan sees New Zealand as a key market for storage solutions with future generation growth primarily being led by solar and wind technology. “Both these forms of generation work perfectly in combination with batteries to provide a continuous and stable energy supply.

How many MW is a battery energy storage system?

It will have a total installed capacity of between 200-300MW. The BESS will connect to an existing 220 kV line via a new 33kV underground cabling into a new switching substation, and then into the Transpower substation, and onto the national grid. Why build a Battery Energy Storage System now?

How will a new battery storage system work?

A new battery storage system will complement our existing renewable energy generation capabilities. We'll charge up the batteries with power primarily from the National Grid when there’s plenty of power around, and then use it when there's high demand. At times it will be charged from our Whakamaru hydro power station next door.