Meridian Energy plans to start building the Ruakaka Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the first quarter of 2023.
The project will build New Zealand’s first large-scale grid battery storage system, giving Meridian a multipurpose asset in the North Island south of Whangarei.
Meridian Energy CEO Neal Barclay said the company’s approach to a battery storage system has evolved during the development process.
“A North Island battery was originally part of our response package to Rio Tinto’s termination of its electricity contract for the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter. As we developed the opportunity, the BESS business case proved to be an economic investment irrespective of Rio Tinto’s future in New Zealand,” Barclay stated.
According to Barclay, the BESS provides various new revenue streams by allowing load shifting between price periods and participation in the North Island reserve electricity market.
“As intermittent renewable generation increases in this country, the Ruakaka Battery Energy Storage System will help manage supply fluctuations through a low carbon footprint, reducing this country’s reliance on fossil fuels,” Barclay added.
Barclay said Meridian has a big vision for Ruakaka, including a grid-scale solar farm to accelerate our transition to a productive low-carbon economy. He stated that the BESS common infrastructure would greatly enhance the economics of the future solar farm.
Meridian Energy will oversee a multi-contract delivery method, with project completion planned in the second half of 2024. Global battery expert Saft will provide comprehensive battery supply, installation, commissioning, and operational services for the Ruakaka BESS.
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