Genesis Energy Begins Construction of 200MWh BESS in New Zealand
By George Heynes
June 6, 2025
Genesis Energy, a publicly listed energy company in New Zealand, has commenced construction on a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) located on the North Island. The company announced the start of construction on June 5, and the facility will be situated at the Huntly Power Station in Waikato, which is known for its significant river and lake.
The Huntly Power Station is New Zealand’s largest thermal power station, boasting a generation capacity of 1,200MW, making it the primary site for electricity generation in the country. According to previous reports by Energy-Storage.news, Saft has been appointed as the supplier for the BESS. Saft will provide a complete turnkey solution for the 100MW/200MWh system, utilizing 70 of its ‘iShift’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery containers, along with power conversion and control systems. The system is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2026.
Malcolm Jones, CEO of Genesis Energy, stated that the BESS will serve as vital backup for the national grid, particularly during peak demand times, such as cold winter mornings and evenings. “We’ll be able to store electricity in the battery during periods of high generation and release it when it’s most needed,” Jones noted.
The development of the BESS aligns with Genesis Energy’s Gen35 strategy, which aims to establish a 400MW system at Huntly Power Station by 2035. This project marks the first phase of that plan. Once completed, the BESS will be Saft’s third utility-scale BESS in the New Zealand market. One existing project includes a 100MW/200MWh system for state-owned Meridian Energy, which is set to be developed near Whangārei, New Zealand’s northernmost city.
Tracey Hickman, chief wholesale officer at Genesis Energy, highlighted Saft’s successful track record in delivering BESS projects in New Zealand as a key factor in their decision to partner with them for this project.
The construction of the Huntly BESS follows the recent launch of what Genesis claims to be the country’s largest solar PV power plant, the 63MWp Lauriston site. Located west of Christchurch on the South Island, near the Rakaia River in the Canterbury Plains, this site was traditionally used for agricultural activities, specifically sheep grazing. Genesis has confirmed that these agricultural practices will continue on the site as part of an approach known as ‘agrivoltaics’ or ‘agriPV.’
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/genesis-energy-launches-construction-of-200mwh-battery-energy-storage-system-in-new-zealand/
