The first utility-scale battery energy storage system to be deployed in New Zealand is currently in the final evaluation stage. The project was jointly deployed by local power distribution company WEL Networks and renewable energy developer Infratec.

(The Nfratec residential solar + energy storage project deployed by Infratec in the Cook Islands was put into use in early 2020)

WEL Networks is one of 29 power distribution companies in New Zealand. The company said that this 35MW energy storage project in the Waikato region of the northern North Island of New Zealand is preparing for construction and is expected to start operations in October 2022.

WEL Networks said that New Zealand has set a goal of achieving a net-zero energy policy by 2030. The large-scale energy storage system deployment plan will promote the installation of more renewable energy power generation facilities and connect them to the grid. It can also store solar and wind energy. Then strengthen the reliability of local power supply, quickly provide power and balance power supply and demand.

Garth Dibley, CEO of WEL Networks, said that the project will cost about 25 million New Zealand dollars (approximately US$17.66 million) and has obtained resource permits under the New Zealand Resource Management Act, which is a huge milestone for the company.

Dibley said: "This technology will help the stable operation of the grid, while storing excess electricity from renewable power generation facilities." He added that the battery energy storage system can also charge electric vehicles and maximize the advantages of solar power generation. And provide backup power in case of power outage of the grid.

Nick Bibby, general manager of Infratec's business development, said that the company will rely on its experience in battery energy storage development to develop and deliver a 35MW battery energy storage system.

Bibby said, “In order to better serve the local community, the battery energy storage system needs to be embedded in the grid. We have chosen a mature technology with a working life of 20 years, so we hope that the battery energy storage system will play an important role in the future. "

The battery energy storage system deployed by Infratec so far includes the commercial and industrial (C&I) battery project in New Zealand, and the solar energy in the Pacific islands of Tonga, South Cook Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Kiritimati, etc. Energy storage projects and microgrid systems.

The company said that New Zealand urgently needs to deploy a large-scale battery energy storage system to cope with the rapid growth of renewable energy power generation and to provide support for the large interconnected power lines between the country’s north and south islands.

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) has become the main energy storage solution in modern social life. Among them, lithium iron phosphate batteries are a perfect substitute for lead-acid batteries, and are the first choice for grid-connected peak shaving, off-grid energy storage, photovoltaic energy storage, UPS, data center and other industries.

Solar power generation system with lithium battery energy storage system is a very promising clean energy.