Genesis Begins Construction on 200MWh BESS in New Zealand
———————————————————–
Genesis Energy, a publicly listed energy company in New Zealand, has officially commenced the construction of a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) on the North Island. The company announced that construction began on June 5, 2025, at the Huntly Power Station, which is the largest thermal power station in New Zealand.
The Huntly Power Station has a generation capacity of 1,200MW, making it the country’s primary electricity generation site. As previously reported, Saft has been chosen as the supplier for the BESS. Saft will provide a complete turnkey solution, which will include 70 of its ‘iShift’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery containers, along with power conversion and control systems. The BESS is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2026.
Malcolm Jones, CEO of Genesis Energy, emphasized that the BESS will serve as crucial support for the national grid during peak demand periods, such as cold winter mornings and evenings. “We’ll be able to store electricity in the battery during times of high generation and release it when it’s most needed,” Jones explained.
This BESS project is part of Genesis Energy’s Gen35 strategy, which aims to develop a 400MW system at Huntly Power Station by 2035. The current project is considered the first phase of this broader plan.
The Huntly BESS will mark Saft’s third utility-scale BESS installation in New Zealand. One of their previous projects includes a 100MW/200MWh system for the state-owned Meridian Energy, to be built near Whangārei, New Zealand’s northernmost city.
Tracey Hickman, Chief Wholesale Officer at Genesis Energy, noted that Saft’s proven track record in delivering BESS projects in New Zealand was a significant factor in their selection for this project.
The construction of the Huntly BESS follows the recent opening of what Genesis claims is the largest solar PV power plant in the country: the 63MWp Lauriston site. This facility is located west of Christchurch on the South Island, near the Rakaia River, and occupies land traditionally used for agricultural activities, particularly sheep grazing. Genesis confirmed that these agricultural practices will continue at the site under the model 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-storage-system-in-new-zealand/
