New Zealand Healthy Energy Storage Project

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

New Zealand has completed its first large-scale grid battery storage system with the launch of Meridian Energy’s Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System.

Will pumped hydro be a viable energy system in New Zealand?

The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources Megan Woods says.

What is the NZ battery project?

The NZ Battery Project was set up in 2020 to explore possible renewable energy storage solutions for when our hydro lakes run low for long periods. A pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow was one of the options being explored. The Government stopped the Lake Onslow investigations in late 2023.

Where is New Zealand's first grid-connected battery energy storage system located?

Meridian Energy has completed construction of New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at Ruakākā, with an official opening ceremony scheduled for later today.

Will Infratec build a new energy storage system in New Zealand?

Infratec general manager Nick Bibby said that the storage system is “the first of its scale to be built in New Zealand”. As reported by Energy-Storage.news, the two companies completed their assessment of the project in late 2021, selecting a site in Huntly, a town in the Waikato District.

What can New Zealand do to improve energy resilience?

WEL Networks and Infratec said they are actively pursuing other opportunities to enhance resilience and increase access to renewable energy in the region. New Zealand currently has a couple of 1MW battery storage systems in operation, but certainly nothing on the scale of the BESS in Huntly.