2026 Energy Series | Energy Storage Systems

Energy Storage Systems – A game-changer?4:00-6:00pm, Thursday 2 July, The Tauranga Club

[Register here]

Energy storage is the first event in the Our Energy Future series. It will offer organisations a practical way to strengthen energy resilience and flexibility. Energy storage provides the ability to use energy in different ways and at different times, providing greater flexibility – for example, battery systems enabling off-peak use of electricity.

Spanning electrical, electrochemical, chemical, and mechanical technologies, it enables smarter use of energy, supports cost optimisation, and unlocks greater integration of sustainable energy sources.

We will hear from a range of speakers about how to take the next steps toward a more resilient and diversified approach to energy storage within your business. Expect insights that focus on what can be implemented now to improve reliability, long-term risk and create lasting value.

Topics & speakers:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)BESS applications and architectures. When does BESS make sense?
  • Nikk King – MD, Active Power & Control
  • Eric Wolters – Engineering Advisor Business Development at Powerco and freelance consultant
• Battery Fire Risk – Kevin Weller, Senior Associate Fire Engineer at Beca & Ben Hume, Regional Manager, BecaFire is often raised  as a concern with lithium ion batteries, with BESS fires and electric vehicles having received plenty of media attention. Kevin and Ben will be shedding light on battery fires, what causes them, regulatory and asset risks, and how to mitigate them.
• Thermal Energy Storage – Hendri Barnard, Associate – Process Engineering, Beca
• Industrial Heat Upgrade – Adeline Bartoletti, CEO & Founder, KelviusKelvius captures exhaust streams and upgrades them into reusable high-temperature energy of up to 350°C. This novel technology offers real benefit to industrial process heat users.

What’s the 2026 Energy Series?

A practical learning series bringing together businesses to learn from energy specialists, explore cost‑efficient solutions, and take action to optimise costs, strengthen resilience and plan confidently for the future.

The series aligns with the work of the Energy Leadership Group (ELG) and the development of the Western Bay of Plenty’s regional energy strategy. The series will include workshops on topics such as biomass, transport & logistics, and more. Alongside specialist insights, we’ll seek your input to help shape the topics discussed so they reflect your business priorities and real‑world needs.

This session is also about connection. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with peers, industry experts and innovators, helping to accelerate your energy strategy.

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Learn more about Priority One’s energy work.

This series is bought to you by Priority One, EMA, EECA, Beca and the Energy Leadership Group (ELG).