CENTREPORT in Wellington has announced plans to pilot an onsite battery energy storage system (BESS).

BESS systems use large rechargeable batteries to store energy for later use. CentrePort expects the system to improve resilience at the port and enhance the potential for future emissions reductions.

The port is to install a pilot-scale 1000 kilowatt-hour / 500-kilowatt BESS facility to “address current operational challenges and meet the near-term needs of electrification initiatives”.

CentrePort CEO Anthony Delaney expects the pilot facility to improve the resilience and utilisation of existing assets and resources.

“At the same time, it helps to insulate us, and our customers, from network supply constraints and a volatile energy market,” Mr Delaney said.

CentrePort has rolled out other energy initiatives such as a 122-kilowatt solar array and a fleet of 100% electric port trucks in the container terminal. The port is also planning for a new 430-kilowatt solar array, due to be built in 2025.

“All these low emission options require cost effective energy,” Mr Delaney said.

“We need to ensure we have security of supply. Onsite battery storage is a part of the solution given the characteristics of our electrical infrastructure and consumption profile.”

He believes a BESS at the port would benefit New Zealand’s wider supply chain.

“What we learn from this pilot will inform future investment decisions on how we efficiently meet the long-term needs of the maritime and freight industry.”

CentrePort’s BESS initiative is being supported with a NZ$500,000 loan from government-funded future energy centre Ara Ake.

“This project highlights how distributed battery energy storage systems, supported by innovative commercial business models, can unlock significant value by providing multiple (market) services,” Ara Ake chief executive Cristiano Marantes said.

“By enhancing asset utilisation and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure like maritime ports, this initiative also exemplifies the transformative potential of customer-driven BESS solutions for New Zealand.”

Construction of the BESS is due to start in early 2025.