Escaping electricity blackouts in 2024 will need investment now: Transpower

Escaping electricity blackouts in 2024 will need investment now: Transpower
The rise in wind power has difficult consequences to work through. (Image: DepositPhotos)
Ian Llewellyn
Getting the electricity system through next winter without blackouts will require urgent investment in batteries, demand control and gas-related assets, says national grid operator Transpower.The electricity system operator’s review of winter 2023 said the sector got through the last few months thanks to good management, good luck, ample gas supplies and a wet autumn.However, New Zealand came close to several blackouts as the gap between available generation and demand dropped below Transpower’s comfort levels.Even after the weather...

More Energy

Tech industry wants to lock up nuclear power for AI
Technology

Tech industry wants to lock up nuclear power for AI

The largest tech companies are looking to buy nuclear power directly from plants.

Glenbrook to get big grid-scale battery as Contact teams up with Tesla
Markets

Glenbrook to get big grid-scale battery as Contact teams up with Tesla

Contact Energy has teamed up with electric car company Tesla to build a grid-scale 100-megawatt battery at Glenbrook at a cost of up to $163 million.The company said the battery would enhance Contact’s renewable-energy flexibility and provide enough electricity for more than two...

Staff reporters 01 Jul 2024
Tech firms seek a miracle solution as AI exhausts grid
Technology

Tech firms seek a miracle solution as AI exhausts grid

Currently, coal plants are being reinvigorated because of the AI boom, an analyst says.