Saft to build New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected BESS

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Saft is to build New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected BESS (battery energy storage system) at Ruakākā in the country’s North Island.

Makara Windfarm
Makara Windfarm - Saft

The 100MW BESS is expected to 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 130MW solar farm by Meridian Energy.

Saft’s contract, awarded by Meridian Energy, includes provision of battery and power conversion equipment, installation, commissioning and 20 years operational services.

Saft is providing a fully integrated solution for the Ruakākā BESS, including supply of battery and power conversion equipment, installation, commissioning and 20 years operational services.

Scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2024, the BESS will have storage capacity of 200MWh to support the local grid demand for around two hours.

According to Saft, the North Island asset will open multiple new revenue streams for Meridian, with the ability to load shift between price periods and participate in the North Island reserve electricity market. Meridian anticipates that the BESS will deliver annual revenues of up to $35m.

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grid-scale battery