Saft, a subsidiary of French energy giant TotalEnergies SE, has secured a contract to deliver its battery energy storage system (BESS) technology for a project by New Zealand-based Genesis Energy. The agreement involves equipping a 100-MW/200-MWh facility at the Huntly Power Station, the largest thermal power complex in the country, located on New Zealand's North Island.
Under the terms of the deal, Saft will engineer the battery storage system as a complete turnkey solution, utilizing 70 of its Intensium Shift+ lithium-ion battery containers. The Huntly BESS is anticipated to become operational in the third quarter of 2026.
This installation aligns with Genesis Energy's strategy to enhance its portfolio of firming and flexibility assets, aimed at addressing the volatility associated with hydropower, wind, and solar power generation, as well as mitigating disruptions in power supply.
Notably, the Huntly project will mark Saft's third utility-scale energy storage initiative in New Zealand, showcasing the company's commitment to supporting the region's transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.