Are EPC contracts available in New Zealand?

EPC contracts are commonly used overseas (including in Australia). However, until recently, they have not been as frequently or commonly used in New Zealand, and there is currently no New Zealand standard form EPC contract available for use by renewable energy developers.

Will Infratec build a new energy storage system in New Zealand?

Infratec general manager Nick Bibby said that the storage system is “the first of its scale to be built in New Zealand”. As reported by Energy-Storage.news, the two companies completed their assessment of the project in late 2021, selecting a site in Huntly, a town in the Waikato District.

What is the NZ battery project?

But the national electricity system depends heavily on the fluctuating storage capacity of hydropower lakes, which makes the country prone to energy shortages during dry years. The NZ Battery Project aims to address this. One of the options being investigated is the Onslow pumped storage hydropower (PSH) scheme.

How are solar projects procured in New Zealand?

Solar projects are typically procured on the basis of an EPC contracting model (in large part due to the “bankability” of this model). However, EPC contracts are not common in the domestic construction industry – there is no market ‘standard’ form in New Zealand.

Is pumped storage hydropower a cost-competitive option for energy storage?

Pumped storage hydropower is well known to be a cost-competitive option for energy storage. While the capital expenditure is high, the cost of the energy is one of the lowest, at 20-40 cents per kWh. Return on investment in pumped storage hydropower is considerably better than for conventional batteries.

What is an EPC contract?

Similar to “Principal’s Requirements” commonly found in a D&C contract, an EPC contract will generally include “Employer’s Requirements”. This is often a limited output specification, which sets the parameters and objectives that the contractor must meet.