Genesis Energy and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, have signed a 200 MWh extension for the Huntly battery energy storage system (BESS), a move that will allow the site to become one of the largest storage facilities in New Zealand.
The new agreement builds on the original 100 MW / 200 MWh contract awarded two years ago, effectively doubling the project’s future capacity to 400 MWh.
Co-located with the existing 1.2 GW gas and coal-fired Huntly Power Station on the North Island, the expanded BESS is an important component of New Zealand’s transition toward a more resilient renewable energy grid.
The expansion is part of Genesis Energy’s Gen35 strategy, which prioritises energy storage to manage the inherent variability of wind, solar, and hydro power. Beyond providing back-up during supply disruptions, the lithium-ion battery system will allow the site to firm renewable generation, reducing price volatility and ensuring power continuity.
In addition, the BESS will optimise the station’s gas turbine operations by smoothing out sudden spikes and avoiding low-efficiency modes, which in turn reduces overall gas consumption and carbon intensity.
Tracey Hickman, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis, praised Saft’s performance during the project’s initial phase.
“Saft had proven an efficient and cost-effective partner in the delivery of stage one of the Huntly battery project,” Hickman said.
“We were confident in selecting Saft once again to deliver stage two and look forward to continuing to work with them in helping secure a renewable energy future for New Zealand.”
Saft will provide a turnkey solution including its Intensium Shift+ lithium-ion containers, integrated power conversion, and advanced control systems.
Vincent Le Quintrec, ESS Sales Director at Saft, noted that the extension demonstrates the scalability of utility-scale storage when backed by proven technology.
With commissioning of the second stage planned for 2028, the Huntly site will play a pivotal role in helping New Zealand meet its Paris Agreement commitment to halve net carbon emissions by 2030.
It also passed the Zero Carbon Act which commits the country to be zero carbon by 2050.