36 | BESS boosts renewables Each battery module is the size of a 20ft shipping container and weighs 32 tonnes. T T from page 34 WEL Networks REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Infratec complete all feasibility and development work scopes including detailed design as part of their Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) offering. “Infratec have worked closely with SAFT and Power Electronics as the major component suppliers for the BESS and together we are all proud to be part of the first significant utility scale BESS in New Zealand,” says Kerry. “The acceleration of electrification, solar, batteries and EVs is changing the energy landscape at pace. The BESS will provide the opportunity for more renewable generation to be installed, with the large-scale battery able to store energy from a range of renewable sources including wind and solar. The project will deliver strengthened reliability of electricity supply for Waikato customers and will benefit the national grid through its ability to help correct supply and demand imbalances.” The 35MW battery will store enough energy to meet the daily demands of over 2,000 homes and will be capable of providing fast reserve support for the North Island grid at times of high demand. The BESS will participate in the electricity market providing instantaneous reserves and undertaking energy trading. Much of the renewable generation being built today is intermittent by nature (solar and wind) so this battery will have a role to play for many years to come. “Batteries are expected to play an increasing role in New Zealand as the country transitions to Net Zero,” says Kerry. “The battery will offer value to WEL network customers by supporting the charging of EVs, maximising the benefits of solar power and providing back-up during grid emergencies.” WEL Networks is 100% community owned by WEL Energy Trust and is based in the Waikato with headquarters in Hamilton. WEL’s role is to design and maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical distribution assets and infrastructure throughout the Waikato region. WEL has been serving Waikato for 100 years, distributing power from the national grid and connecting almost 100,000 residential properties, small businesses, and commercial/industrial sites to a power supply within the WEL network area. WEL Networks is the fifth largest EDB (Electricity Distribution Business) in the country. “The Energy Services division within WEL Networks is focussed on sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” explains Kerry. “In addition to the current BESS under construction, we’re looking at developing several utility scale solar farms. Last year WEL started a business within Energy Services called We.EV. They are helping businesses get future-ready with their electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as they transition from internal combustion engine fleets to EV’s. Through analysing fleet requirements and connection capacity, they can determine the optimum EV charging infrastructure requirements and minimise or eliminate the business cost for connection upgrades through use of smart charging.” 0800 873 435 | sales@power-electronics.co.nz | www.power-electronics.co.nz Power Electronics is proud to support WEL Networks with the supply of inverters for the Rotohiko Battery Energy Storage System NZ’s leading supplier of utility scale Solar, Battery and Statcom inverters MaCC is proud to support Infratec and WEL with Civil Engineering design services Engineering for Tomorrow. Geoff 027 434 8745 | www.macc.co.nz | office@macc.co.nz “The project will deliver strengthened reliability of electricity supply for Waikato customers and will benefit the national grid through its ability to help correct supply and demand imbalances.”
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