October 23, 2024 • 2 min read
Providing detailed design and construction support for
BESS New Zealand
Construction of Contact Energy’s 100-megawatt / 200-megawatt hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a key milestone in New Zealand’s transition to more sustainable and resilient energy sources.
As one of the largest in the country, the Glenbrook facility will make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s national grid, with the ability to provide enough electricity for up to 44,000 homes for up to two hours.
New Zealand’s growing energy demands are being driven by increased electrification and population growth, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. The Contact Energy BESS is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. By storing excess energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar, the system can dispatch power when it’s most needed – during peak demand periods or when generation is low.
What makes BESS truly transformative is its role in maintaining the stability of the national grid. Beyond energy storage, the system will provide critical voltage and frequency control, ensuring that the grid remains resilient and capable of handling fluctuations in power supply. This kind of grid support is essential as New Zealand moves away from fossil fuel reliance and integrates more renewable energy sources into its infrastructure.
Wind and solar are becoming increasingly important as New Zealand has made significant strides in renewable energy generation, but the intermittent nature of these sources present a major hurdle. This is where BESS comes in, acting as a crucial stabilising force. The technology behind BESS is not new but its growing adoption in New Zealand reflects its increasing cost-effectiveness and accessibility.
“Contact Energy’s BESS facility represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient electricity network for New Zealand,” says Paul Minchin, New Zealand Location Director. “By integrating BESS technology, we’re providing a viable alternative and enhancing the dispatchability of renewable energy sources.”
We have led the concept and front-end engineering design (FEED) phases, and are now working with Contact Energy on detailed design and construction support. What sets us apart is our ability to leverage global experience in BESS technology and tailor them to the unique challenges of the New Zealand market.
“Our global experience allows us to bring efficiencies in both delivery times and costs to projects like these,” said Minchin. “This is crucial as battery technology becomes more accessible and plays a larger role in the renewable energy transition.”
With a diverse team of civil, structural, electrical, and process engineers in New Zealand supported by BESS subject matter experts, this project serves as a benchmark for future energy storage solutions.
