This browser is not actively supported anymore. For the best passle experience, we strongly recommend you upgrade your browser.
| less than a minute read

Glenbrook to get big grid-scale battery as Contact teams up with Tesla

In New Zealand, most electricity comes from hydroelectric and geothermal power. However, fossil fuel power stations are still used to maintain a continuous supply during peak demand. Rather than mine and utilize relatively high grade and cleaner New Zealand coal, NZ imports comparatively high sulphur,  high ash coal from Indonesia, negating the environmental benefits of not mining locally. With the introduction of large battery installations, reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation can be reduced and eventually eliminated in New Zealand.

Contact Energy has teamed up with electric car company Tesla to build a grid-scale 100-megawatt battery at Glenbrook, at a cost of up to $163m. The company said the battery would enhance Contact’s renewable-energy flexibility and provide enough electricity to meet peak winter demand for 44,000 homes for more than two hours.

Tags

green energy, mining, sustainability, fossil fuels, environment, english, highlight

Creating, sharing and inspiring change. For good.

The global issues we face are challenging and interconnected. They can seem insurmountable. But if you know where to look, co-operation, positive change and hope are all around us. Build Beyond Even Better is a project that recognises the progress being made, and the amazing people who are making a difference. Share your own hopes, pledges and projects with #BBEB, or become a contributor.

Please read our BBEB Charter PDF.