Huntly Power Station receives a transformer for the battery project. Video / Genesis Energy
Genesis Energy has taken delivery of a 172-tonne transformer for its $135 million grid-scale battery at the Huntly Power Station.
The machine, which was made in Indonesia, had to be moved from the Port of Auckland to the Huntly site between midnight and 6am on Wednesday to minimise traffic disruption.
The journey included easing over the Tainui Bridge at Huntly, which was built to take heavy loads.
Three pilot vehicles accompanied the 17-axle trailer with a truck at each end.
A third truck joined the front vehicle to help haul the transformer up the Bombay Hills and manage its descent.
On arrival at the Huntly Power Station, the transformer was lifted off the trailer by a crane and deposited near the 100MW battery installation under construction.
The transformer will step up the battery’s voltage from 33kV to 220kV to allow it to connect to the national grid.
It will release energy at times of peak demand, such as cold winter mornings and evenings, and is due to start operating later this year.
Genesis takes delivery of a transformer for its battery project at Huntly. Photo / Supplied
Genesis’ chief operating officer Tracey Hickman said the transformer was a critical step in the first stage of a project in which Genesis will build a battery system at Huntly of up to 400MW by 2035.
“Huntly Power Station is evolving as it plays a critical role in backing up the electricity system through the renewable transition, providing flexible power when hydro lakes are low, the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow,” Hickman said.
“As New Zealand’s electricity supply becomes more renewable and subject to weather, this battery will help smooth out fluctuations in supply, ensuring supply remains reliable and secure,” she said.
NZX-listed Genesis reports its first-half result on February 23.
Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.
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