New Zealand Energy Storage Grid-connected Project

Meridian Energy is building New Zealand’s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at Ruakākā on North Island The first battery storage facility to be directly connected to the grid was launched in August 2018. Learn more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can 'non-hydroelectric energy storage' be a viable option in New Zealand?

As mentioned above, while New Zealand boasts large hydropower capacity, dry years due to low snowmelt or rainfall can leave hydroelectric unavailable for long periods. A government-supported project, NZ Battery, will investigate the feasibility of “non-hydroelectric energy storage options”.

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.

Top Solutions for Photovoltaic Microgrid Power Stations

Next-Gen Photovoltaic Modules

Next-gen photovoltaic panel with durable structure and enhanced surface coating for optimal solar energy output.

Engineered for superior efficiency, our photovoltaic modules integrate cutting-edge solar cell technology and anti-reflective coatings to deliver maximum power yield. Designed for integration into microgrid systems, these panels support both small and utility-scale energy projects, offering stable, long-term performance under diverse environmental conditions.

High-Purity Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Premium monocrystalline solar panels with high energy conversion efficiency and modern appearance.

Constructed with high-purity silicon wafers, these monocrystalline panels deliver industry-leading efficiency for distributed and rooftop installations. Their compact design and robust engineering make them suitable for energy-intensive microgrids, ensuring reliable performance and optimized space utilization.

Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Units

Modular lithium-ion storage units designed for scalable deployment in microgrid setups.

Our lithium-ion storage solutions ensure seamless solar energy management by storing excess daytime power for later use. With fast response times, high discharge rates, and modular configurations, these systems support uninterrupted operation and grid stability for commercial, residential, and remote microgrid installations.

Integrated Smart Inverter Systems

Smart inverter system featuring real-time monitoring and adaptive power distribution controls.

Designed to handle multi-source energy inputs, our smart inverters synchronize photovoltaic arrays, storage banks, and utility grids. These inverters enhance energy dispatching through intelligent algorithms, allowing users to monitor and optimize power flow in real time, boosting the overall efficiency of the microgrid network.

Compact Solar Power Stations for Mobile Use

Mobile solar station with built-in modules, ideal for off-grid applications and rapid deployment.

Ideal for mobile energy demands and emergency scenarios, these compact solar power stations integrate photovoltaic modules, battery storage, and inverter technology into one transportable unit. They provide essential backup power for tools, lighting, and communications in off-grid locations or during outages.

Distributed PV Systems for Scalable Energy

Distributed PV systems with modular arrays installed across rooftops and open land.

Our distributed solar solutions are tailored for microgrid deployment, optimizing energy collection across multiple structures and terrains. These systems feature advanced data tracking and load-balancing technologies, improving generation efficiency while reducing reliance on centralized grids.

Micro Inverter Technology for Panel-Level Optimization

Panel-level micro inverter enabling independent energy output and system resilience.

Each micro inverter in our lineup connects directly to a single solar panel, maximizing output by eliminating mismatch losses. This design enhances overall microgrid flexibility, enabling effective system expansion and real-time diagnostics for each individual module.

Architectural Roof-Integrated PV Systems

Architectural PV system seamlessly integrated into rooftop structure for energy and aesthetics.

These roof-integrated photovoltaic systems provide a dual benefit: structural coverage and clean power generation. Tailored for building-integrated microgrids, they align with modern design aesthetics while maintaining optimal solar exposure and long-term durability under extreme weather conditions.

First grid-scale battery storage facility goes ahead in New Zealand

The first battery storage facility to be directly connected to the grid was launched in August 2018. Learn more.

Learn More →

Executive summary – New Zealand 2023 – Analysis

New Zealand has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050. New Zealand already has a low‑emissions electricity system, with over 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources in 2021. And this share could easily reach over 90% based on existing policies.

Learn More →

Saft Battery Energy Storage System to Support New Zealand…

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. 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 ...

Learn More →

Saft to supply 200 MWh battery storage project in New Zealand

Power company Genesis Energy Ltd is installing the utility-scale lithium-ion …

Learn More →

Saft to build New Zealand''s first large-scale grid …

Advanced battery storage solutions provider, Saft, received a contract from Meridian Energy to construct New Zealand''s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at Ruakākā on North Island.

Learn More →

Saft will construct 100-MW Grid-connected Battery Storage …

Renewable energy generator Meridian Energy has selected France-based Saft to construct New Zealand''s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS). The 100-MW system, which will be built at Ruakaka in the country''s North Island, will try to enhance the stability of the national grid as intermittent wind and solar power ...

Learn More →

New Zealand welcomes first big battery to national grid

New Zealand''s transition to a renewable energy future has taken a significant step forward with the nation''s first grid-scale battery energy storage project now offering injectable reserves to the electricity market for the first time. ... at Huntly in the Waikato region on the upper North Island and is the first of its scale to commence ...

Learn More →

Saft to build New Zealand''s first large-scale grid …

Advanced battery storage solutions provider, Saft, received a contract from Meridian Energy to construct New Zealand''s first large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at Ruakākā on North Island. …

Learn More →

Saft energy storage system to support New …

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has been awarded a major contract by Meridian Energy to construct New Zealand''s first large scale grid-connected battery energy storage system. For full functionality of this site it is …

Learn More →

New Zealand battery project awarded to Saft as …

Project partners WEL Networks — and electricity distribution company — and renewable energy developer Infratec announced this week that major equipment suppliers have been contracted for the project. They include …

Learn More →

Consent granted for battery energy storage | Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent from Whangārei District …

Learn More →

Mercury Energy uses Tesla to power homes, businesses

Using Tesla''s Powerpack battery, the direct grid-connected battery is part of an ambitious project to test the direct integration of battery energy storage with New Zealand''s electricity grid.

Learn More →

BATTERY STORAGE IN NEW ZEALAND

Electricity is a convenient means of transferring and using energy. In New Zealand, our hydro lakes store energy on a large scale. However, until now we ... We considered hosting our own trial of grid-connected battery storage, but first we chose to investigate the benefits of battery storage across the electricity supply chain. We did this by ...

Learn More →

New Zealand''s first grid connected solar project close to …

Aotearoa New Zealand-headquartered gentailer Lodestone Energy and China-headquartered solar energy storage solutions provider TrinaSolar have neared completion of a third agrivoltaic project together, which will be the first solar and agrivoltaic project connecting directly to New Zealand''s grid.. The build of new yards and necessary fencing to support …

Learn More →

Glenbrook to get big grid-scale battery as Contact teams up ...

Contact Energy has teamed up with electric car company Tesla to build a grid-scale 100-megawatt battery at Glenbrook, at a cost of up to $163m.. The company said the battery would enhance Contact ...

Learn More →

What we know about Europe''s ''largest grid

19 March 2020: Developer Penso Power said it would later expand the planned 100MW project by another 50MW, having secured land rights, planning permission and a grid connection offer to extend the site in February …

Learn More →

Tesla at heart of New Zealand energy storage firsts

New Zealand is set to test the grid-connected capabilities of a 1MW/2MWh lithium ion energy storage system using technology from supplier Tesla, the country''s energy company Mercury announced on January 15. The project, a first for New Zealand, follows a tender process that began last September.

Learn More →

Contact to develop a grid-scale 100 MW battery in Auckland

Contact''s first renewable project in Auckland to start immediately. Tesla selected …

Learn More →

The New Zealand Solar Boom

The two companies are collaborating on New Zealand''s inaugural large-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) ... The BESS project aligns seamlessly with New Zealand''s transition towards a low-carbon …

Learn More →

Solar + BESS: An answer to New Zealand''s electricity

Over recent years, it has become common for utility-scale solar projects in Australia to include a grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide energy generated by the solar farm to the grid outside of the times when the sun is shining. The uptake of BESS in New Zealand is particularly important given that it can help to solve one of New …

Learn More →

How to Design a Grid-Connected Battery Energy Storage …

The BESS project is strategically positioned to act as a reserve, effectively removing the obstacle impeding the augmentation of variable renewable energy capacity. Adapted from this study, this explainer recommends a practical design approach for developing a grid-connected battery energy storage system.

Learn More →

Ruakākā to have country''s largest grid-connected battery ...

The country''s largest grid-connected battery to store 100 megawatts of power - enough to power 60,000 households for two hours over winter - will be built at Ruakākā, with power company Meridian ...

Learn More →

Transpower | Transpower

Transpower holds a unique position in the New Zealand energy sector as both National Grid owner and System Operator. Connections. We''re working at pace to connect new generation, storage and load to increase reliable electricity supply for all New Zealanders. ... Our core purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand – a future ...

Learn More →

Consent granted for battery energy storage | Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent for the construction of Aotearoa''s largest grid-connected battery energy storage system at Ruakākā. ... Meridian Head of Renewable Development Rebecca Knott says obtaining consent is a critical milestone for the project, which will improve the resilience of Northland''s regional network and ...

Learn More →

Unlocking the potential for batteries to contribute to …

Additionally, these batteries, alongside more renewable generation, will help off-set the retirement of thermal generation and support New Zealand''s transition to a low-emissions economy. New Zealand''s first grid-scale battery in the Waikato. The first grid-scale battery was commissioned in 2023 by Hamilton lines company WEL Networks.

Learn More →

NZ Battery Project | Ministry of Business, Innovation

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.

Learn More →

GRID CONNECTED PV SYSTEMS WITH BATTERY ENERGY …

The development of this guideline was funded through the Sustainable Energy Industry Development Project (SEIDP). The World Bank through Scaling Up Renewable Energy for Low-Income Countries (SREP) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDSDOCK) provided funding to the PPA as the Project ... Typical Battery Energy Storage Systems Connected to ...

Learn More →

New Zealand''s first grid connected solar project close to …

Aotearoa New Zealand-headquartered gentailer Lodestone Energy and China …

Learn More →

There is potential for pumped hydro energy storage in …

Pump Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) is the most cost effective mature energy storage technology; comprising 95% of active energy storage worldwide. PHES has relatively low carbon emissions, a high energy storage to investment ratio and long plant lifespans. However, costs and risks are project specific reflecting the range of scheme designs

Learn More →

Energy Sector in New Zealand: Reviewing 2024 …

A snapshot of key insights and developments in New Zealand''s energy sector in 2024, as well as the trends that will shape the sector in 2025. ... and grid-connected generation assets ... Ecogas working with Clarus-owned …

Learn More →

New Zealand''s ''first grid-scale battery storage project'' in ...

Electric power distribution company WEL Networks and developer Infratec have …

Learn More →

New Zealand welcomes first big battery to …

New Zealand''s transition to a renewable energy future has taken a significant step forward with the nation''s first grid-scale battery energy storage project now offering injectable reserves...

Learn More →

Client Testimonials for Our Microgrid Solutions

  1. Reply

    Emily Johnson

    June 10, 2024 at 2:30 pm

    Partnering with EK SOLAR for our solar microgrid installation has been a game-changer. The hybrid inverter and energy storage combo powers our rural facility reliably, even during peak load or grid outages. Their technical team ensured a seamless setup and optimized the system to reduce diesel dependence by over 80%.

  2. Reply

    David Thompson

    June 12, 2024 at 10:45 am

    We deployed EK SOLAR's microgrid inverter and solar modules in our remote telecom station. Real-time system analytics and high power conversion efficiency have dramatically improved uptime. The equipment integrates effortlessly with both solar and backup genset sources, making it ideal for off-grid deployments.

  3. Reply

    Sarah Lee

    June 13, 2024 at 4:15 pm

    EK SOLAR’s complete solar microgrid solution was exactly what our eco-resort needed. The preconfigured power station with integrated storage keeps operations running day and night without relying on the public grid. Their technology allows for modular expansion and has helped us meet our sustainability goals with confidence.

© Copyright © 2025. EK SOLAR All rights reserved.Sitemap