The first large-scale grid battery energy storage system (BESS) project in New Zealand called Ruakākā has been constructed by the electricity company Meridian.
The facility houses a 100MW/200MWh BESS, which the firm claim is enough to power 60,000 average households during winter for a two-hour period.
It is located south of Whangārei and is said to provide greater energy resilience to the region.
The BESS needs to undergo some steps before it is fully operational, including approval of final commissioning test results.
France-based battery company Saft is the main battery partner for Meridian, and state-run system operator Transpower is said to have provided a key role in planning, construction and commissioning.
The new BESS is designed to have the ability to load shift between price periods and smooth out during peak periods. Meridian said it is also able to participate in the North Island electricity reserves market.
A neighbouring $227 million 130MW solar farm is now the company’s focus. It is due to start construction in August 2025 and together with the BESS forms Ruakākā Energy Park.
Four other projects have received consent, including another BESS in Manawatū, and other projects are in the process of gaining permission. The company is also looking to incorporate batteries into new solar farm projects.
Guy Waipara, general manager development, Meridian, said: “These will be key assets for Northland, and for New Zealand. There is a tremendous amount going on across the industry to ensure Kiwi homes and businesses continue to have all the electricity they need at prices that continue to be internationally competitive. Meridian is stepping up to the challenge with the Ruakākā Energy Park, part of $3 billion we will invest over the next five years.”
Image: Meridian’s Ruakākā 100MW/200MWh BESS. Credit: Meridian.
