Image: Mercury CEO Fraser Whineray with New Zealand Energy Minister Dr Megan Woods. Image from: Mercury
Our friend’s from across the Tasman have taken a huge leap towards a renewable energy future this year. The first battery storage facility to be directly connected to the grid was launched in August.
The project has been commissioned by New Zealand energy generator and retailer, Mercury at their research and development centre in South Auckland. Costing $3 Million NZD, the project will help gather key learnings around energy storage for the nation as it transitions toward a sustainable energy future.
The Tesla Powerpack will be used similarly to those currently in action in Australia – to store excess renewable energy with the intention of powering the grid when demand is at its highest.
The expectation is that this 100 MW battery storage facility could power 30,000 homes during a two-hour peak period on a winter’s evening.
Fraser Whineray, Mercury’s Chief Executive said: “Battery storage is a fast-developing technology with potential to support our country’s existing globally-envied renewable electricity supply.
“Mercury’s mission is energy freedom for New Zealand and everyone who lives here and this means offering new ways that sustainable energy is provided. Advances in battery technology are also fundamental to electrification of cars and trucks; they’re all part of the same energy ecosystem.”
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