What’s happening at the Huntly Power Station? Major Battery Installation Coming Up

Huntly Power Station is preparing to host its first grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), a significant step towards enhancing New Zealand’s energy reliability. The first stage of the project—a 100 MW battery capable of storing 200 MWh—is set to be installed mid-year and is expected to be operational by late 2026.

Once in place, the battery could supply enough electricity to power around 115,000 homes for two hours. This development is part of Genesis Energy’s broader transition to the Huntly Portfolio, aligned with its Gen35 strategy, which aims to install 400 MW of batteries at the site over the next few years, with a total storage capacity of 800 MWh.

The image provided is an artist’s impression of the completed installation. A further update on the project is expected in the coming months.

Winter Energy Supply Preparations

Concerns over a potential shortfall in renewable generation this winter have prompted Genesis Energy to provide an update on its coal stockpile, imports, and operational capacity at Huntly Power Station.

Current stockpile: 515 kilotonnes (kt) of coal.

Coal imports: 630 kt expected to arrive between now and September 2025.

Generation capacity: Typically, Genesis operates up to two 240 MW Rankine units, supporting its customers and contracted obligations. A third 240 MW Rankine can be brought online in emergencies or planned use for up to three months. Additional investment has been made to ensure this back-up unit is ready for winter if needed.

Genesis Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said following the company’s February statement Genesis was responding to ongoing uncertainty about energy security for winter 2025 as the national gas supply remains tight, hydro lake levels have fallen below historic mean for this time of year, and wind generation is intermittent.

“We’ve increased our coal supply despite the expense and the risk that rain may yet top up the hydro lakes,” said Johns.

“We are actively managing our generation and fuel resources to ensure we make our full contribution to security of supply this winter and beyond.”