The contact mentioned twice confirms the contract for the construction of a network battery

Dual-listed Contact Energy (ASX:CEN) has confirmed it will build a 100MW (200MWh duration) grid battery in Glenbrook, New Zealand.

The company, also listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX), says this is an exciting step forward for Contact as its investment in grid-scale batteries increases its renewable energy flexibility and delivers on its Contact26 strategy commitments.

The Glenbrook battery is expected to cost up to $163 million and be operational in the first quarter of 2026. Once operational, it will provide Contact and the market with a flexible source of renewable energy, operating across the physical, reserve and frequency holding markets.

The battery will be located in Glenbrook, adjacent to the NZ Steel plant and the Transpower grid connection point. It will be located closer to Auckland’s load than any other grid-scale battery project.

Contact adds that the battery will support new wind and solar power plants throughout the day and week, and will ultimately reduce reliance on gas peaking plants as the company transitions to a low-carbon future

Following a competitive bidding process, Tesla was selected to provide the Megapack 2 XL battery energy storage system and to provide commissioning and long-term maintenance services. The deal with Tesla includes an option to increase battery capacity to 130 MW (260 MWh) at this location.

Contact will manage the overall project and will commence construction work at Glenbrook immediately.

The company said it was continuing to explore further battery investment options and had received approval to build a further 100MW grid battery at Stratford, Taranaki.

With the confirmation of New Zealand Aluminium’s long-term commitment to provide greater market certainty, Contact is moving forward with its plans to invest in new, intermittent renewable energy generation across New Zealand.

write to Adam Orlando w Mining.com.au

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