New Zealand high voltage energy storage solar container lithium battery assembly

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.

What is New Zealand's First Utility-scale battery energy storage system?

New Zealand welcomed its first utility-scale battery energy storage system earlier this year. The 35 MW/35 MWh Rotohiko battery facility commenced operation with electricity distribution company WEL Networks in April, after compleating testing and commissioning.

When will New Zealand's energy storage project come online?

The energy storage project is expected to come online during the July-to-September period of 2026. Saft described the Huntly Power Station as “the single largest electricity generation site in New Zealand.” New Zealand welcomed its first utility-scale battery energy storage system earlier this year.

Will a 100-megawatt solar farm improve New Zealand's national grid?

Located at Ruakākā in the country’s North Island, the 100-megawatt (MW) BESS will improve the stability of the national grid, as intermittent renewable power generation increases in New Zealand. The BESS is the first stage of a project that will include the construction of a co-located 130 MW solar farm by Meridian Energy.