PowerNet Selected as Network Manager for Ruakura Superhub – One of New Zealand’s Largest Logistics and Industrial Precincts. – Wednesday 10 July 2024.

Network management company PowerNet Limited has announced that it has been appointed by Ruakura Energy to manage the electricity distribution network in the Ruakura Superhub, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest inland port and logistics precincts in the Waikato region.
A signature project by one of Waikato’s leading property developers, Tainui Group Holdings, the Ruakura Superhub is of national importance, and represents an expansion of PowerNet’s portfolio of managed networks into the North Island.
PowerNet Chief Executive, Jason Franklin, said: “We are proud to be partnering with Ruakura Energy and Tainui Group Holdings to support this logistics and industrial precinct in the fast-growing Ruakura Superhub, and to mark PowerNet’s expansion of our portfolio of managed networks across New Zealand’s electricity industry.”
Located 4 km from Hamilton’s Central Business District and equidistant from the cities and seaports of Auckland and Tauranga, the Ruakura Superhub is set to include logistics, industrial, commercial, retail, and green space with some residential elements also planned for the future. The scale of the project presented the opportunity for Tainui Group Holdings to develop its own electricity network and set up a new subsidiary business, Ruakura Energy.
“The appointment to manage the network for the newly established Ruakura Energy reflects the value of PowerNet’s asset management expertise, operational scalability, and business system maturity. Our proven capability will support the growth in energy demand as the Ruakura Superhub reaches full capacity over the next three decades. We are excited to support TGH’s intergenerational investment plans,” said Mr Franklin.
Stage 1 of Ruakura’s Superhub development is underway (90ha) and is expected to continue over the next 30 years to reach its 490ha capacity. Ruakura Energy will connect directly to the nearby Hamilton Grid Exit Point (GXP), owned by Transpower, and distribute power via a new Ruakura substation, currently under construction. Connected to an underground network, the substation will be equipped with a backup transformer to provide network resilience, maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted operation. PowerNet will start managing the Ruakura Energy network from late 2024, on substation commissioning and connection to the Transpower GXP. PowerNet’s GM Business and Customer Growth, Kewal Bagal, said he would be leading PowerNet’s diverse team of experts in the required network integration and acceptance activities.
“The team is currently underway with preparatory network integration activities by mapping Ruakura Energy’s network into our internationally accredited network management systems. Our team will also work alongside Ruakura Energy to ensure the substation and cable systems under construction are built fit-for-purpose. “As development progresses, PowerNet will oversee network acceptance activities prior to connecting to the Transpower Grid Exit Point,” said Mr Bagal. Once the network is operational, PowerNet will use trusted partners from the Waikato region to provide network field services.