Genesis Energy Limited and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, are moving ahead with the next phase of 200 MWh extension, after the two years of the award of the initial contract for the Huntly BESS. The expansion is designed to accelerate its renewable energy transition. These assets are essential to maintain power continuity and to maximise the use of renewable generation as variable resources play an increasingly dominant role in the electricity mix.
In addition, BESS optimize gas turbine operation by avoiding low-efficiency operating modes, limiting sudden spikes and reducing overall gas consumption.
With this expansion, Huntly is set to become one of the largest BESS sites in the country, reaching a potential output of 400MWh, co-located with a 1.2 GW gas and coal-fired power station. This represents a significant milestone for New Zealand’s grid resilience and energy security.
Vincent Le Quintrec, ESS Sales Director at Saft
“Scaling Huntly with a 200 MWh battery extension demonstrates what utility-scale storage can deliver when backed by proven technology and end-to-end execution. Building on the first 100 MW / 200 MWh phase, Saft will provide additional lithium-ion containers, integrated power conversion and controls, supporting a more resilient and secure New Zealand power system.”
Genesis is an energy generator and retailer supplying electricity, natural gas and LPG to more than 520,000 customers in New Zealand. The geographic spread and diverse range of generation assets enables the company to back up solar, wind and hydro generation across hours, days and months.
It’s share in the Kupe gas field provides essential electricity security to underpin the growth of solar and wind generation. It makes surplus gas available to third parties such as homes and businesses.
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