Saft to supply 200 MWh battery storage project in New Zealand

The Saft battery division of French energy and petroleum multinational TotalEnergies will supply 70 of its containerized Intensium Shift+ battery energy storage systems (BESS) to form a 100 MW/200 MWh project on New Zealand’s North Island.

Power company Genesis Energy Ltd is installing the utility-scale lithium-ion BESS at the coal- and gas-fired Huntly Power Station as part of its “Huntly Portfolio” of energy storage assets. The projects will even out electricity supply from hydro, wind, and solar power, and will address electricity price volatility.

Saft, whose “turnkey” containers also feature power conversion and control systems, said the contract win will be the company’s third utility-scale storage project to add flexibility to the New Zealand grid.

The energy storage project is expected to come online during the July-to-September period of 2026.

Saft described the Huntly Power Station as “the single largest electricity generation site in New Zealand.”

New Zealand welcomed its first utility-scale battery energy storage system earlier this year. The 35 MW/35 MWh Rotohiko battery facility commenced operation with electricity distribution company WEL Networks in April, after compleating testing and commissioning.

Meanwhile, consutruction is underway at the 100 MW / 200 MWh Ruakākā BESS with full commissioning expected early next year. The project is constructed by Meridian Energy about 150 km north of Auckland. Saft is the technology provider on this project as well.