Tesla Powerpack integrated into NZ electricity network

New Zealand energy distributor Vector yesterday opened its renovated Glen Innes substation, home to the Asia–Pacific’s first grid-scale Tesla Powerpack battery storage system to be integrated into a public electricity network. The opening was attended by Minister of Energy and Resources Simon Bridges and represents a radical transformation in how Vector manages its electricity network.

Vector Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie said the Tesla Powerpack could help to reduce peak demand and extend the life of the substation, deferring capital expenditure and providing supplementary power to the Glen Innes area — all without compromising reliability. With a storage capacity of 1 MW/2.3 MWh — the equivalent of powering 450 average homes for 2.3 hours — the system allows Vector to provide a secure, reliable power supply.

“By gauging trends such as household energy consumption, the effect of infill housing and the uptake of new energy systems, we can target growth areas and defer or avoid the significant investment required in a new substation,” Mackenzie said.

“And when connection or consumption growth requires a conventional network upgrade, we can mobilise the batteries to other parts of the network where power demand is rising.

“This is transforming the way the energy sector is managed and will have a powerful influence on consumer behaviour.”

Mackenzie said new technologies such as Tesla Powerpack allow Vector to better manage the risks associated with the NZ$2 billion that needs to be invested in its Auckland networks over the next 10 years. The network is currently evolving to deliver the benefits of smart meters, solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy management services to customers.