Tiwai can add winter electricity to grid

New Zealand’s aluminium smelter at Tiwai can make 20MW of electricity available to the national grid, if required, over a 12-week period this winter.

That’s under an agreement signed with Meridian Energy which allows Meridian to bring 20MW back into the system during peak demand periods this winter where the national grid’s capacity is at its most stretched.

The 20MW is additional to the 50MW demand response agreement already in place with Meridian, says New Zealand Aluminium Smelters.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this additional support for New Zealand’s power grid,” says New Zealand Aluminium Smelters chief executive Chris Blenkiron.

“While we all hope this winter will not put undue stress on the national grid, having up to 70MW of available electricity will be beneficial if New Zealand’s energy system does come under pressure

“As we look to secure a future for Tiwai beyond 2024, we would expect any future electricity supply arrangements to have demand response capability built into them.

“This recognises that with the energy we use comes a responsibility to play our part in keeping the lights on across New Zealand when needed.”

Starting June 3, 2024, Meridian can call up to 20MW at any time for up to four trading periods (two hours) per day and up to 20 trading periods over a fortnight, and Tiwai will reduce its consumption to meet the request.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters says 20MW is about the equivalent of electricity needed to power all Napier city homes.