TGH introduces Ruakura Energy

Tainui Group Holdings (THG) has formed new subsidiary business Ruakura Energy, which can help charge EVs and is likely to include solar.

Ruakura Energy will own and operate a bespoke electricity distribution network, designed to meet the energy needs of the Ruakura Superhub near Hamilton, one of the largest inland port and logistics precincts in Australasia, says THG.

The superhub is adjacent to nearby national electricity assets and is already home to a number of large warehouse and distribution centres with significant energy needs including for temperature controlled, cold-chain operations, which has created the opportunity for TGH to develop its own electricity network, it says.

Energy demand is expected to grow as stage one of the superhub (93ha) is fully developed and tenanted, and during the 20 to 30-year process to develop the full 490ha.

TGH chair Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua  says the initiative will ensure an independent and resilient energy supply for the Ruakura Superhub.

Ruakura Energy will connect directly to the nearby Hamilton grid exit point, owned by Transpower, and distribute power via a new Ruakura substation under construction. This is connected to an underground network as part of the original civil works around the precinct. The substation is equipped with a backup transformer to   provide network resilience, maintaining a smooth, and uninterrupted operation, says TGH.

TGH chief executive Chris Joblin says Ruakura Energy has the potential to expand its operations.

“Looking forward, Ruakura Energy is not just a utility provider but a critical component of the superhub’s infrastructure, integrating energy solutions that potentially include roof-top and solar array generation for on-site consumption or sale of energy back to the national grid,” Joblin says.

Ruakura Energy has appointed PowerNet as the network manager for the distribution assets.

Critical components of the network are under construction and Ruakura Energy is expected to start operations under its own name in late 2024.