New solution for New Zealand’s rural and remote power supply

RedFlow, a manufacturer of zinc-bromine, battery-based energy storage systems, announced it has agreed the basis on which Powerco , New Zealand's second largest electricity and gas distribution company, will become the exclusive distributor of RedFlow products in the New Zealand utility and remote-area power systems market.

The announcement means that Powerco’s remote, rural customers, whose ageing lines across rugged terrain leave them exposed to power quality and reliability concerns from storms, slips and trees, have a new choice for high-quality power supplies.

The announcement is the result of twelve months of work between RedFlow and Powerco in developing and showcasing packaged remote area power systems (RAPS) suitable for New Zealand conditions.

Described as ‘RAPS in a box’, the RedFlow assembled system comprises a packaged energy storage system with power electronics and controls, together with a utility-grade diesel generation set and satellite-based remote monitoring. It is designed for integration with a Powerco-supplied solar PV array or micro-hydro turbine.

RedFlow CEO Phil Hutchings said the exclusive distributorship arrangement was an important step for RedFlow and for electricity supply in New Zealand: “Powerco is an ideal partner for us in the New Zealand market. We see significant opportunities there, and Powerco has the foresight to identify industry changes early on. Powerco is investing in establishing a business to market and support our products.”

The Distribution Agreement will cover all RedFlow products including the zinc-bromine battery-based larger energy storage systems.