NZ’s first utility-scale BESS underway after site blessing

Infratec kicked off construction of Aotearoa New Zealand’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on Friday August 19th with a site blessing and cultural induction, provided by Mana Whenua and attended by Infratec, WEL Networks, and Connell.

Mana Whenua conducted the blessing and shared information on the history and whakapapa of the area, as well as the story behind the name Rotohiko, which was gifted by local kaumatua.

“Roto” is drawn from the name of the site location on Rotowaro Rd, and refers to a lake or wetland. “Hiko” means electricity, and is referenced in the following whakataukī:
Ka puta te hau, ka papā te whaititiri, ka hikohiko te uira, ā, ka ua te ua!
The wind rises, the thunder crashes, the lightning strikes, alas the rain pours!

Infratec are honoured and excited to work in partnership with mana whenua groups to deliver this and other projects that will play a pivotal role in the reduction of emissions in the Waikato and will support Aotearoa New Zealand’s Net Zero goal of becoming 100% renewable by 2030.

The Rotohiko BESS will have the capacity to store 35 MW of electricity, enough to meet the demand of more than 2,000 homes. This will help enhance grid stability and resilience and allow for more renewable energy generation to be connected to the grid.