Genesis Energy Chooses Saft for Major Battery Project

• Saft partners with Genesis Energy to revolutionize New Zealand's energy landscape, launching a powerful 100-MW battery storage project at Huntly Power Station by 2026.

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has secured a contract with Genesis Energy to supply a battery energy storage system for a 100-MW/200-MWh project at the Huntly Power Station in New Zealand. This facility is set to enhance the country's largest thermal power complex and aims to address the variability of renewable energy sources like hydropower, wind, and solar.

The project will utilize 70 Intensium Shift+ lithium-ion battery containers and is designed as a complete turnkey solution. Saft plans to have the Huntly BESS operational by the third quarter of 2026, marking its third utility-scale energy storage initiative in New Zealand.

How will Saft's battery storage project impact New Zealand's renewable energy stability?

• Enhanced Grid Stability: The integration of Saft's battery energy storage system (BESS) will provide essential stability to New Zealand's electricity grid. By storing excess energy generated during peak production times, the system can supply power during periods of high demand or when renewable sources are not generating electricity, thereby reducing the risk of grid instability.
• Support for Renewable Integration: The Huntly BESS will facilitate a smoother transition to increased renewable energy use by managing the erratic nature of renewable sources. This ability to balance supply and demand can help accelerate the adoption of solar, wind, and other renewable technologies, contributing to New Zealand's goal of achieving a low-carbon energy system.
• Reduction in Fossil Fuel Dependency: By providing an efficient way to store energy, the battery system can decrease reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation, particularly during unexpected outages or shortfall periods. This means that the operation of the Huntly Power Station can pivot towards more effective use of renewables.
• Economic Benefits: The battery storage project represents a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, likely creating jobs in both the construction and operational phases. This economic boost aligns with New Zealand’s broader goals of promoting local employment and supporting the green economy.
• Technological Leadership: Saft's initiative signifies New Zealand's emergence as a leader in renewable energy technology within the Asia-Pacific region. By investing in modern energy storage solutions, New Zealand can position itself as an innovator in sustainable energy practices, appealing to future investments and collaborations.
• Environmental Impact: Implementing energy storage solutions like the Huntly BESS will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diminishing the need for fossil fuel generation. By enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources, the project supports New Zealand's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its national climate action goals.
• Long-term Resilience: The project aims to build long-term resilience in the energy sector by ensuring that New Zealand can withstand fluctuations in energy generation and demand. This resilience can be crucial in the wake of extreme weather events or natural disasters that may disrupt energy supply.
• Community Benefits: By ensuring a more stable and reliable energy supply, the battery storage site can contribute positively to local communities, ensuring that households and businesses have continuous access to power, thus enhancing the quality of life and economic stability in the region.
• Future Expansion Opportunities: Following the successful implementation of this project, there are opportunities for scaling up battery storage systems in other areas of New Zealand. This could pave the way for similar projects, promoting energy security and encouraging the diversification of energy sources across the country.
• Integration with Smart Grid Solutions: The new BESS can facilitate the integration of smart grid technologies and programs, including demand response initiatives that further enhance energy efficiency and reliability. This dual capability will allow for more sophisticated energy management across the grid.
• Educational and Research Potential: The project can serve as a living laboratory for universities and research institutions in New Zealand, providing opportunities for studying energy storage solutions, grid management, and renewable integration, thus fostering innovation in the sector.