31 Oct 2023

WEL Networks opens first utility-scale battery

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 31 October 2023
WEL Networks' new battery storage system near Huntly.

Photo: Supplied

Hamilton lines company WEL Networks has launched the country's first utility-scale battery storage system. 

The battery, which is near Huntly, can provide 35-megawatt-hours of energy - enough for about 2000 homes - and is capable of providing `fast reserves support' for the national grid in the North Island. 

The build of the site began in July last year, and there've been delays that meant it took a year longer to complete than originally planned. 

The lines company has set up a subsidiary  - NewPower Energy - which will own and operate the battery, selling generation into the electricity reserves market.