Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Pushing the boundaries of innovation to supercharge the nation’s renewable energy future, WSP partnered with Meridian Energy to deliver New Zealand’s first grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Project Overview

In 2025, Meridian Energy commissioned a grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Ruakākā, strategically located adjacent to Transpower’s 220/33 kV Bream Bay substation. The facility was designed with an installed power capacity of 100 MW and 200 MWh of energy storage, supporting New Zealand’s transition to a more resilient and renewable electricity system.

The BESS comprises high-capacity battery units, a high-voltage/low-voltage (HV/LV) switching station, and an operations and maintenance (O&M) building with integrated site spares storage. As the first project of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, it was delivered under an ambitious timeline, requiring a nimble and collaborative approach to design and delivery.

Our Role

Our team of experts played a pivotal role in bringing the Ruakākā BESS to life – delivering end-to-end design services that helped transform vision into reality. We began by developing consent-level designs and comprehensive documentation to secure regulatory approvals. From there, our locally based team of specialists led the multi-disciplinary detailed design phase, drawing on deep knowledge of New Zealand’s energy landscape and regulatory environment to meet the project’s ambitious goals.

Our scope of work included:

Comprehensive earthing and lightning protection study using CDEGS software
Design and analysis of the BESS earth grid and its integration with the Transpower GXP earth grid
Cable thermal modelling and ampacity selection to ensure optimal performance
Detailed design drawings for earthing and lightning protection systems
33 kV transmission cable connection design
Full site distribution design for 33 kV, 400V, DC, and communications/SCADA systems
Cable ducting layout for all AC and DC cabling
Power system protection design and coordination
Development of cable schedules
Preparation of procurement specifications, tendering support, and construction phase services

Impact

The Ruakākā BESS sets a precedent for future energy storage developments in New Zealand. It enhances grid stability, supports renewable integration, and provides a scalable model for future deployment. WSP is proud to have contributed to this landmark project, helping to shape a more sustainable and secure energy future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Image credit: Meridian