60 | Hick Bros Civil Construction T T Bernadette Cooney Pivotal role in renewable-energy project The 100-megawatt battery, located on New Zealand Steel’s Glenbrook site in South Auckland, represents a major step forward in building a more resilient and sustainable national electricity grid. CIVIL CONTRACTORS Having grown from its roots as an Auckland-based earthmover, Silverdale company, Hick Bros Civil Construction, has played a pivotal role in one of New Zealand’s most significant renewable-energy projects to date — the Glenbrook-Ohurua Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being developed by Contact Energy. The 100-megawatt battery, located on New Zealand Steel’s Glenbrook site in South Auckland, represents a major step forward in building a more resilient and sustainable national electricity grid. Construction began in July 2024 and Hick Bros Civil has been responsible for all civil works at the Glenbrook site — from silt control and earthworks to cable trenching, foundations, pavements, fencing, and lighting. The Glenbrook-Ohurua BESS will use a 56 battery-unit Megapack 2 XL Tesla system with the option to expand to 130-megawatt in future. This lithium-ion technology will be able to store electricity generated from hydro, geothermal, and wind sources when demand is low, and release it during peak periods, thereby reducing dependence on fossil-fuelled power stations during peak loads. Expected to be operational in March 2026, BESS will cover the size of a rugby field and will be able to supply enough electricity for 44,000 homes for up to two hours during peak demand. With its prior experience in civil works for power companies, including within the Te Uku and Harapaki wind farms, the BESS project sits right in the Hick Bros wheelhouse, says Construction Manager, Chris Drost. “It’s been rewarding to be a part of and a unique first of its kind for us. It’s the second large-scale grid battery in New Zealand. We have a long-standing relationship with Contact Energy, and this is another step in our involvement with them as a build partner,” says Chris. The project has been serviced from Hick Bros’ Waikato and Auckland teams, drawing on expertise which spans large-scale infrastructure, land development, and energy projects across the North Island. Founded in 1986 by four brothers in Silverdale, Hick Bros Civil Construction has evolved from a small earthmoving operation to a company of more than 200 people operating over six regions and having completed over 1200 projects nationwide. The Hick Bros team handled all the heavy civil components that make Glenbrook BESS operational. “We built the physical backbone of the project, including the lifting and landing of the Tesla batteries and transformers before the electrical contractor took over to connect and commission the system,” says Chris. Contact Energy’s partnership with New Zealand Steel will see them supply 30 megawatts of electricity to NZ Steel for its electric arc furnace. This is expected to almost halve the steel mill’s carbon emissions. The Glenbrook-Ohurua battery is designed to make New Zealand’s electricity grid smarter, faster, and cleaner. It can respond to demand spikes almost instantly, supplying power to the grid in just 0.2 seconds. Supporting the development of new renewable energy such as wind and solar generation, Glenbrook- Ohurua BESS joins thousands of similar units installed around the world. The system is extensively tested to ensure that health and safety risk is extremely low. The site perimeter is fenced and protected as well as monitored 24/7 by Contact Energy and Tesla Corporation. In the unlikely event of fire, the BESS system will isolate itself to prevent spread, and any potentially hazardous substances are contained and sealed within the closed Tesla batteries. As domestic and local demand for battery storage and renewable integration grows, Hick Bros is positioning itself at the forefront of that shift. “These kinds of projects are becoming more common alongside new solar and wind developments,” says Chris. “We’re proud to be part of a cleaner more resilient future for the electricity sector.” Asphalt & Concrete specialists Proudly Supporting Hick Bros Civil Construction We are dedicated to delivering quality workmanship. Our services include new construction, asphalt overlays, concrete installation and complete site works for commercial and residential customers. Contact Us 021 1909 270 office@rcknz.co.nz www.rckgroup.co.nz I NNOVAT I ON FOR LOWER CARBON SUSTA I NABL E OUTCOMES We provide a wide range of innovative, cost and carbon saving construction solutions throughout New Zealand for: • Specialist heavy duty pavement design & construction • Foamed bitumen recycling • Road rehabilitation & recycling, pre-seal repairs & maintenance • New pavement construction • Forestry & windfarm road optimisation & construction • Insitu flushed seal remediation • Insitu contaminated materials remediation and treatment • Rail alignment and sub-ballast strengthening • Commercial building platform optimisation • Subgrade stabilisation & recycling • Fill drying & conditioning Email: Adam.Gri iths@hiways.co.nz // Phone: 021 719 187 // Web: www.hiway.nz CIVIL CONTRACTORS SPECIALISING IN SUBDIVISIONAL DRAINAGE Servicing the greater Auckland and Waikato area. Earthworks Drainage Farm Maintenance 027 636 9838 hello@rlcivil.co.nz www.rlcivil.co.nz
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