Genesis restarts units at Huntly amid energy shortages

Genesis has returned three Rankine units at the Huntly power station to operation, as the company grapples with a constrained wholesale gas market and declining hydro storage.

Generation from the units was up 638GWh on the prior comparable period. The decision to bring back the units, along with Unit 5, is in response to the expected continuation of energy shortages.

Operation of the reserve unit depends on staffing, unit reliability and fuel availability.

Genesis also revealed that solid fuel supply at Huntly declined to 231 kilotonnes, prompting the purchase of additional coal supplies, with the first imports delivered in July.

The company aims to hold a stockpile of about 350 kilotonnes. 

The sale process for Huntly Firming Options contracts, which allow market participants to contribute to fuel security, is also nearing conclusion, with final negotiations under way with multiple bidders.

On a positive note, Genesis' retail customer numbers grew and the volume of electricity sold increased 3.5%.

The first stage of the review of its retail operating model was successfully concluded, resulting in the disestablishment of 130 full-time equivalent positions.

Construction of the Genesis-FRV joint venture solar farm in Lauriston, Canterbury is progressing well, with first generation expected in the second quarter of the 2025 financial year.