Latest news with #Saft
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Completion Of Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System
Press Release – Meridian The Ruakk BESS has a maximum output of 100MW of electricity and storage capacity of 200MWh, enough to power around 60,000 average households during winter for a two-hour period. Construction of New Zealand's first large-scale grid battery storage system is now complete, with Meridian Energy's Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being officially opened in a ceremony later today. The Ruakākā BESS has a maximum output of 100MW of electricity and storage capacity of 200MWh, enough to power around 60,000 average households during winter for a two-hour period. Construction of the BESS, located south of Whangārei, began in the first quarter of 2023 and has been completed inside the project's original $186 million capital envelope. Meridian's General Manager Development, Guy Waipara, says the BESS adds a North Island storage asset into New Zealand's electricity system, and one that will perform a number of key roles. 'This BESS is a new and exciting addition to our asset portfolio. It gives us the ability to load shift between price periods, smooth out peak periods, provide greater resilience to Northland and enable Meridian to participate in the North Island electricity reserves market.' 'Although construction and commissioning are now complete, some steps remain before the BESS is fully operational, including approval of final commissioning test results.' Meridian's focus has now turned to the neighbouring $227 million, 130MW Ruakākā Solar Farm, with construction set to begin in August 2025. Together with the BESS, this forms Meridian's Ruakākā Energy Park. 'These will be key assets for Northland, and for New Zealand. There is a tremendous amount going on across the industry to ensure Kiwi homes and businesses continue to have all the electricity they need at prices that continue to be internationally competitive. Meridian is stepping up to the challenge with the Ruakākā Energy Park, part of $3 billion we will invest over the next five years,' says Guy Waipara. The company has four other projects already consented, including another BESS in Manawatū, and several others progressing through consenting processes. In addition to Manawatū, Meridian intends to incorporate batteries into a number of new solar farm projects. Meridian's battery partner for Ruakākā is Saft, and Transpower has also played a key role in planning, construction and commissioning. 'This has been a real team effort and Meridian thanks both for their contributions to the project. Being the first of its kind in New Zealand, there has been a lot to learn,' says Guy Waipara.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Completion Of Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System
Construction of New Zealand's first large-scale grid battery storage system is now complete, with Meridian Energy's Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being officially opened in a ceremony later today. The Ruakākā BESS has a maximum output of 100MW of electricity and storage capacity of 200MWh, enough to power around 60,000 average households during winter for a two-hour period. Construction of the BESS, located south of Whangārei, began in the first quarter of 2023 and has been completed inside the project's original $186 million capital envelope. Meridian's General Manager Development, Guy Waipara, says the BESS adds a North Island storage asset into New Zealand's electricity system, and one that will perform a number of key roles. 'This BESS is a new and exciting addition to our asset portfolio. It gives us the ability to load shift between price periods, smooth out peak periods, provide greater resilience to Northland and enable Meridian to participate in the North Island electricity reserves market.' 'Although construction and commissioning are now complete, some steps remain before the BESS is fully operational, including approval of final commissioning test results.' Meridian's focus has now turned to the neighbouring $227 million, 130MW Ruakākā Solar Farm, with construction set to begin in August 2025. Together with the BESS, this forms Meridian's Ruakākā Energy Park. 'These will be key assets for Northland, and for New Zealand. There is a tremendous amount going on across the industry to ensure Kiwi homes and businesses continue to have all the electricity they need at prices that continue to be internationally competitive. Meridian is stepping up to the challenge with the Ruakākā Energy Park, part of $3 billion we will invest over the next five years,' says Guy Waipara. The company has four other projects already consented, including another BESS in Manawatū, and several others progressing through consenting processes. In addition to Manawatū, Meridian intends to incorporate batteries into a number of new solar farm projects. Meridian's battery partner for Ruakākā is Saft, and Transpower has also played a key role in planning, construction and commissioning. 'This has been a real team effort and Meridian thanks both for their contributions to the project. Being the first of its kind in New Zealand, there has been a lot to learn,' says Guy Waipara.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Giant grid-connected battery site set to open at Marsden Point, Northland
A container-sized lithium-ion battery is lowered into place at Meridian's battery energy storage site at Marsden Point. Photo: Supplied / Meridian New Zealand's first giant, grid-connected battery is set to open at Northland's Marsden Point on Friday. With an ability to pump up to 100 megawatts (MW) of power into the national grid, Meridian's battery site aims to solve one of the key shortcomings of solar power - that the sun often isn't shining when power is most in demand. The battery energy storage site (BESS) covers an area equivalent to two rugby fields and consists of 80 shipping-container-sized lithium-ion batteries, produced by French company Saft. Meridian is also planning to build one of the country's biggest solar power stations next to the battery site. Consent has already been granted for the solar farm, which will have about 200,000 panels spread over three sites totalling 172 hectares. Once completed next year, the solar farm's annual output is expected to total 150-200 gigawatt-hours (GWh), enough to power half the homes in Northland. The idea behind Meridian's Ruakākā Energy Park is that power generated by the solar farm can be stored in the batteries, then released to the national grid when most needed, for example during the evenings when domestic power use is high. The battery site is due to be opened on Friday afternoon by Shane Jones, the Northland-based Regional Development Minister and Associate Minister for Energy. Marsden Point used to be home to two 1970s-built oil-fired power stations, though one was never used. Both have since been dismantled but the high-voltage power lines needed to get electricity to Auckland remain in place. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The "Beige Flags" to Watch Out For in Your Date's Home Are NOT What You Think
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." One of the most important things you can do on a date is spot any red or green flags. From how they treat waitstaff to how they talk about their family, these little nuances are great indicators of the character of the person you're vetting for a partner. And, as it turns out, there's one more factor to consider: how your date has designed their home. If you've ever wondered if a date is judging your design taste, chances are, the answer is yes. 'I'm always zooming in on the background of people's pictures on dating apps to see how they maintain their home,' says Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home. 'I'm much more interested in seeing bedroom pics versus their nudes to get a sense of whether we're compatible.' The first time you visit a date's home, it can be easy to judge how it's organized or their taste in decor, but it's not about having the most expensive pieces—it's about personality. Though designer Elissa Hall doesn't judge a date by their preferences right away, it does eventually come up. 'Taste speaks volumes about someone's values,' Hall says. 'When someone shares beauty and function, it tells me they're intentional. That being said, I'm more interested in why they opted for something than what it is.' You may know all about identifying red flags (Sheets that haven't been washed in months? Ick.), but what you should really be paying special attention to are the design "beige flags." A beige flag is a trait that seems quirky or innocuous, but not inherently good or bad. We tapped expert designers to weigh in on the beige flags flying in your date's home—and what they really mean. Oh, and you may want to check your own space for them, too. The Space is Walled-Off piovesempre - Getty Images If your date's home is full of random walls or weird nooks and crannies, be warned. If their home is overly difficult to navigate, imagine getting to know their heart and mind. "It could be a telltale sign that the other person is not receptive to others in their personal space and not ready to be in a relationship," Saft says. The Room is Very Symmetrical Shannon Dupre DDReps By contrast, a room that's very symmetrical in its design signals a person who focuses on balance and compromise. They've designed a space for two halves to come together and make something more beautiful. Saft calls it a "strong indicator you will balance each other out equally." The Design Looks Straight Out of a Catalog Israel Sebastian - Getty Images There's nothing wrong with flipping through catalogs for design inspiration. But if you decide to copy-paste the design you saw on a home retailer's website, it might not communicate much about your personal style. "If the home looks like a replica of a showroom, I think, ' person isn't very creative,'" says Toronto-based interior designer Janette Ewen. Anita Yokota, a licensed therapist and interior designer, warns that cultivating a space that's too trendy can add stress to your home. "Authenticity in our surroundings is key to feeling at ease," Yokota says. There's Only One Nightstand Sammyvision - Getty Images It's not surprising to find a single nightstand in someone's home, especially if they live alone. However, consider how well you'll fit in the picture if there's nowhere to leave your things when you spend the night. Saft's take? "Obviously, fear of commitment." A Well-Worn Couch is in Front of the TV Robert Daly - Getty Images A comfy couch is a necessity for any living room, but beware of one that looks a little too used, especially if it's parked right in front of a TV or gaming system. 'An oversized leather sofa or well-worn sectional paired with a massive TV lets me know the date's love for gaming will always come first,' Ewen says. We're not saying you need to hide your TV or sit on a stiff sofa. Just be sure to soften the room with other features, so it doesn't feel too much like a gaming den. 'I dated someone whose entire living room was taken up by a giant TV and one beanbag," Hall says. "No side table, no art, not even a lamp. I didn't stay long.' They've Hung Blackout Curtains in4mal - Getty Images Blackout curtains are a peak beige flag. Your date might like them because they travel often or really value their sleep. However, according to Ewen, "blackout blinds let me know he's still in a party phase." The Home Has an Overt Theme Wang ruiping - Getty Images Speaking of party phases, be wary of anything that feels too themed (man cave, anyone?). Your date might be mentally stuck in the 2010s. "Anything too themed, like a 'bachelor pad,' with black leather and neon bar signs, tends to mean they are living out some Pinterest board from 2012," says Hall. A Lot of Throw Pillows Cavan Images - Getty Images Listen, we get it. Our love for throw pillows knows no bounds, and a well-placed pillow makes all the difference for an aesthetic bed. However, there is such a thing as too many accent pillows. If you find yourself having to move them to sit down, make a note of that. "Clearly, they have issues with excessiveness," Saft says. There Are No Books or Plants Kristina Strasunske - Getty Images This is one of Hall's biggest dating fears. A home without either of these items doesn't go through many changes, whether it's from plants growing or books bringing in new knowledge. 'A place that doesn't change seems to indicate people who don't change or want to learn,' Hall says. There's a Ton of Recessed Lighting xu wu - Getty Images Can lights in the ceiling with no dimmer and a lack of lamps can both signal a lack of focus on relaxation. Not exactly a post-dinner mood setter. 'If he needs light, he has to use the overhead,' says designer Sarah Montgomery. 'That is the number one mood killer.' Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok. You Might Also Like
Cision Canada
29-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
LiNova Energy and Saft Advance to Stage 2 in Joint Development Agreement
MONROVIA, Calif., April 29, 2025 /CNW/ - LiNova Energy Inc. and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, are pleased to announce that they have advanced to Stage 2 of the Joint Development Agreement. This advancement marks a significant milestone in their collaborative effort to commercialize LiNova's innovative polymer cathode battery technology in Saft's key markets of aerospace, defense and rail. Building on a Strong Foundation In April 2024, LiNova Energy secured $15.8 million in Series A financing, with Saft among the key investors, which also included Chevron Technology Ventures and which was led by Catalus Capital. This investment financed the continued development of LiNova's battery technology and facilitated the initial phase of the joint development agreement, which focused on integrating LiNova's metal-free polymer cathode technology into Saft's battery systems. The successful completion of Stage 1 of the Joint Development Agreement has paved the way for Phase 2, focusing on scaling cell size, conducting comprehensive testing to ensure the technology meets industry standards, and the production of sample cells. A Collaboration Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions LiNova's polymer cathode technology eliminates the need for nickel and cobalt, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional cathodes. By leveraging abundant and readily available materials, this innovation addresses supply chain challenges and reduces environmental impact. Saft's expertise in battery manufacturing and market presence, combined with LiNova's groundbreaking technology, positions the partnership to deliver high-energy, safe and sustainable battery solutions in Saft's key markets. Leadership Perspectives "Advancing to Stage 2 with Saft signifies a pivotal moment for LiNova," said Michael Nagus, CEO of LiNova Energy. "Our combined efforts are set to bring our sustainable polymer cathode technology to market, addressing critical needs in Saft's key markets, and in energy storage and beyond." Cedric Duclos, CEO of Saft, added, "Innovation and sustainability are part of Saft's DNA. For over a century, our R&D teams have worked to advance battery technologies, often in collaboration with other industry experts. Our collaboration with LiNova Energy in scaling up its disruptive polymer cathode technology is a significant advancement and will ultimately benefit Saft's customers in the aerospace, defense and rail sectors".
