Genesis Energy has kicked off construction on a powerful 100 MW / 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Huntly Power Station on New Zealand’s North Island. This project marks the first phase of an ambitious plan to eventually install up to 400 MW (800 MWh) of BESS at the site—a strategic leap into the Gen35 vision to fully transform Huntly into a modern power hub.
Project Overview & Timeline
- BESS Size: 100 MW output with 200 MWh storage capacity—enough to power around 60,000 homes for two hours .
- Construction Start: Began 5 June 2025, adjacent to the site’s existing 1,200 MW thermal coal and gas power station .
- Service Entry Goal: Aimed for Q3 (July–September) 2026 .
- Capex: Estimated NZ $150 million (approx. US $140 million).
Why It Matters: Grid Resilience & Peak Shaving
Genesis CEO Malcolm Johns emphasises that the BESS will “provide essential back‑up to the national grid during times of peak demand, such as cold winter mornings and evenings… store electricity during high generation moments and release it when most needed”.
The result? A rock‑steady grid that smooths out peak consumption spikes and better harnesses renewable energy from sources like hydro, wind, and solar—supporting New Zealand’s clean energy transition .
Tech Partner: Saft’s iShift LFP Containers
French manufacturer Saft (a TotalEnergies subsidiary) will deliver and integrate 70 LFP (lithium iron phosphate) ‘iShift’ battery units, paired with advanced inverters and control systems for a turnkey solution .
Saft’s experience in New Zealand is proven—not only at Huntly, but also with Meridian Energy’s nearby 100 MW / 200 MWh Ruakākā BESS.
Beyond the Battery: Huntly Portfolio & Renewables Push
- Gen35 Strategy: Huntly BESS is the first step toward a 400 MW / 800 MWh battery rollout, supporting Genesis’s goal of 95% renewable generation by 2035 .
- Solar Investments: Following the commissioning of the 63 MWp Lauriston Solar Farm (Feb 2025), Genesis is actively diversifying its renewable energy mix .
- Agrivoltaics Innovation: At Lauriston, sheep grazing continues beneath panels—a clever blend of agriculture and energy production .
Strategic & Environmental Significance
- Boosting Energy Security: Huntly’s thermal generation platform combined with battery backup adds a powerful layer of flexibility and reliability.
- Climate Action: These moves align with commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and beyond, reducing reliance on fossil fuels .
- Economic Momentum: The NZ $150 million investment brings skilled construction jobs and sets a blueprint for future energy infrastructure in the Asia–Pacific region.
SEO Highlights & Keywords
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“Battery Energy Storage System New Zealand”, “100 MW BESS Huntly”, “Saft iShift LFP batteries”, “Genesis Energy Gen35 strategy”, and “Huntly BESS 2026”.
Bottom Line: A Clean‑Energy Game‑Changer Genesis Energy’s pioneering 200 MWh BESS plant at Huntly is more than just a battery—it signals a paradigm shift in New Zealand’s power sector. By undergirding renewable supply, flattening peak demand, and heralding future expansions, this project cements Huntly’s role as the heart of Aotearoa’s energy revolution.
