Hitachi Energy and Transpower launch $144 M grid upgrade
Ōtāhuhu substation will receive advanced STATCOM device from Hitachi Energy, enhancing grid voltage support as demand for clean energy rapidly grows.
Image for illustrative purposes
New Zealand, Auckland: Hitachi Energy and Transpower are advancing New Zealand’s transition to clean energy with the second phase of a major grid modernization project. A new ± 150 MVAr SVC Light® STATCOM system will be installed at the Ōtāhuhu substation in Auckland to improve voltage stability and grid performance as power demand surges.
The investment is part of Transpower’s $85.4 M (NZ$144 M) North Island project to accommodate increased electricity usage, which is expected to rise by 70 % by 2050. The new STATCOM will address voltage fluctuations caused by retiring fossil-fueled generators, reduced grid inertia, and growing load from electrification of transport, data centers, and urban expansion.
“This voltage support system helps us reliably deliver power across long distances into Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city,” said Matt Webb, Executive General Manager of Grid Development at Transpower.
The Ōtāhuhu project follows the successful deployment of New Zealand’s first large-scale STATCOM at Hamilton substation, commissioned in July 2023. Both substations use Hitachi Energy’s SVC Light® STATCOM technology to improve voltage control and power quality on high-voltage networks.
“Our STATCOMs are proven to strengthen grid resilience and support renewable integration,” said Wayne Clay, VP for Australia & New Zealand at Hitachi Energy.
These developments are key steps toward a more reliable, renewable-powered future for New Zealand.
Source: Hitachi Energy
#Hitachi Energy#Matt Webb#New Zealand#North Island project#substation#SVC Light® STATCOM#Transpower#Wayne Clay