Source: Ara Ake
Celebrating outstanding achievements in Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy sector, the 2024 New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards took place last night at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. Counties Energy received the Innovation in Energy Award, with the award proudly sponsored by Ara Ake.
The Innovation in Energy Award honours those demonstrating exceptional innovation within New Zealand’s energy landscape and the practical application of ideas that are driving the future of energy. This year, Counties Energy impressed with their use of second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries to support high-powered EV chargers, enhancing both flexibility and sustainability.
“It is an honour to sponsor the Innovation in Energy Award, which this year featured some truly remarkable contenders. Congratulations to Counties Energy for their dedication to advancing an equitable and resilient energy future,” said Dr Cristiano Marantes, Chief Executive of Ara Ake.
Counties Energy second-life modular battery system, deployed at the Mercer Service Centre, has enabled significant cost savings in grid upgrades. The solution addresses the end-of-life issue for EV batteries, supports New Zealand’s clean energy goals, and provides a resilient, eco-friendly alternative for expanding the nation’s EV infrastructure.
“The successful development of this project showcases both technical and scientific innovation. Such projects are a critical component of our transition to become a distribution systems operator in a rapidly evolving energy industry,” says Judy Nicholl, Chief Executive of Counties Energy.
“I’m incredibly proud of this groundbreaking achievement which is a testament to the vision and expertise of our talented teams across the business who have set a new benchmark in our industry, helped by the full support of our Board and the Counties Energy Trust.”
The Energy Excellence Awards are an annual event celebrating achievements in the energy sector. With nearly 700 attendees, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise excellence across the energy sector.
Finalists of the Innovation in Energy Award
Other finalists included EECA’s Regional Energy Transition Accelerator programme, which is transforming New Zealand’s approach to process heat decarbonisation. The initiative brings together gentailers, electricity distributors, Transpower, forest owners, wood processors, and other industry players to help streamline investment across regions switching to low-carbon fuels. Expanding from a successful pilot in Southland, the programme is now nationwide. Once completed, it will have assessed more than 700 sites producing about six million tonnes of CO 2 a year.
PowerNet and Digital Stock were also recognised for their ARC platform, a solution in Installation Control Point billing management. This SaaS system simplifies compliance, integrates multiple data sources, and ensures seamless regulatory updates. The ARC platform, rapidly adopted across New Zealand’s electricity distribution sector, enhances efficiency and standardisation. Their work highlights the future of energy management, supporting New Zealand’s net-zero carbon goals and exemplifying industry-leading innovation.
