The project, considered the world's largest solar-storage project, will install 3.5GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and a 4.5GWh battery storage system. The project has commenced in November 2024.
[pdf] The NZ Battery Project was set up in 2020 to explore possible renewable energy storage solutions for when our hydro lakes run low for long periods. A pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow was one of the options being explored. The NZ Battery Project was set up in 2020 to explore possible renewable energy storage solutions for when our hydro lakes run low for long periods. A pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow was one of the options being explored. The Government stopped the Lake Onslow investigations in late 2023.
[pdf] According to the request for proposals issued on July 30, the program calls for 16 standalone projects, each rated at 10MW/40MWh, totaling 160MW/640MWh of four-hour storage capacity. Selected developers will design, build, own, and operate the systems under 15-year agreements.
[pdf]