Completion Of Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System

Construction of New Zealand’s first large-scale grid battery storage system is now complete, with Meridian Energy’s Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being officially opened in a ceremony later today.

The Ruakākā BESS has a maximum output of 100MW of electricity and storage capacity of 200MWh, enough to power around 60,000 average households during winter for a two-hour period.

Construction of the BESS, located south of Whangārei, began in the first quarter of 2023 and has been completed inside the project’s original $186 million capital envelope.

Meridian’s General Manager Development, Guy Waipara, says the BESS adds a North Island storage asset into New Zealand’s electricity system, and one that will perform a number of key roles.

“This BESS is a new and exciting addition to our asset portfolio. It gives us the ability to load shift between price periods, smooth out peak periods, provide greater resilience to Northland and enable Meridian to participate in the North Island electricity reserves market.”

“Although construction and commissioning are now complete, some steps remain before the BESS is fully operational, including approval of final commissioning test results.”

Meridian’s focus has now turned to the neighbouring $227 million, 130MW Ruakākā Solar Farm, with construction set to begin in August 2025. Together with the BESS, this forms Meridian’s Ruakākā Energy Park.

“These will be key assets for Northland, and for New Zealand. There is a tremendous amount going on across the industry to ensure Kiwi homes and businesses continue to have all the electricity they need at prices that continue to be internationally competitive. Meridian is stepping up to the challenge with the Ruakākā Energy Park, part of $3 billion we will invest over the next five years,” says Guy Waipara.

The company has four other projects already consented, including another BESS in Manawatū, and several others progressing through consenting processes. In addition to Manawatū, Meridian intends to incorporate batteries into a number of new solar farm projects.

Meridian’s battery partner for Ruakākā is Saft, and Transpower has also played a key role in planning, construction and commissioning.

“This has been a real team effort and Meridian thanks both for their contributions to the project. Being the first of its kind in New Zealand, there has been a lot to learn,” says Guy Waipara.

© Scoop Media