Executive summary
New Zealand's Huntly Power Station has begun operating its first 100 MW/200 MWh grid-scale battery, developed by Genesis Energy for around $130 million. Opened on 15 October 2026, the facility can supply 60,000 homes for two hours, support peak electricity demand and strengthen grid flexibility. A second battery of the same size is planned for 2028.
Company: Genesis Energy
Project: Huntly Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Location: Huntly, New Zealand
Power capacity: 100 MW
Energy capacity: 200 MWh
Storage duration: 2 hours
Project cost: Around $130 million
Genesis Energy, , a New Zealand electricity generator and retailer, has officially opened its first grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Huntly Power Station in New Zealand on 15 October 2026. The 100 MW/200 MWh battery can supply enough electricity to power 60,000 homes for two hours. Developed at a cost of around $130 million, the project was completed more than $5 million below budget and is described by Genesis as the cheapest battery built in New Zealand to date.
The facility comprises 70 battery units supplied by France-based Saft and installed by Northpower. It is connected directly to the national electricity grid through the Transpower substation at Huntly. This connection, together with the station's proximity to the high-demand centres of Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga, makes the site suitable for grid-scale battery installations.
According to Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman, the BESS adds flexibility to Huntly's role within the company's electricity generation portfolio. The system can be activated almost immediately, making it the fastest-starting asset at Huntly Power Station. This capability enables the battery to respond rapidly when additional electricity supply is required during periods of high demand.
The project forms part of Genesis Energy's Gen35 strategy, under which Huntly Power Station is evolving to support electricity security as New Zealand moves towards a more renewable electricity grid. Battery storage can provide backup electricity when generation from rain, wind and solar resources is insufficient to meet demand.
Genesis has already approved a second battery of the same size at Huntly Power Station. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with full operation expected in 2028. Once operational, the additional battery will expand the site's grid-scale energy storage infrastructure.
Hickman also highlighted the complementary role of batteries alongside Genesis' developing solar portfolio, including a solar farm site at Rangiriri, north of Huntly. Battery systems can store electricity generated during the day and release it during periods of higher demand, particularly on cold mornings and evenings.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the battery's full operation was attended by Tukoroirangi Morgan, chair of Te Arataura, Genesis board members Hinerangi Raumati Tu'ua and Tim Miles, Tainui Group Holdings CEO Craig West, and Genesis Chief Executive Malcolm Johns.
Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, Huntly Power Station continues to serve as a key component of Genesis' flexible generation portfolio, supporting renewable energy integration while maintaining electricity supply reliability.