Infratec has been established to support the sustainable development of renewable generation and distribution systems in New Zealand, the Pacific and ASEAN region with the purpose  to reduce diesel usage and in particular to develop local capability.  We can offer end to end consulting, design, development, construction and operation capability in small and large scale grid connected and off-grid renewable energy systems and low to high voltage distribution networks.

Our portfolio of work includes:

Southern Cook Island Mini-Grids, Cook Islands

Infratec is currently delivering a NZD$13m ADB contract to design, procure, construct and commission electricity mini-grid systems on four islands within the Cook Islands. These islands are Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro. The systems are to meet 95% of the electricity generation needs for the communities on those islands. The system design range from 150kWp solar PV and 1.1MWh of battery storage to 460kWp PV and 3.4MWh of storage. 

Kiritimati Island Power System Upgrade, Kiribati

Infratec is currently delivering an EU Development Fund project which includes, but is not limited to, 25km of HV powerlines and associated equipment, a power station, a 150kWp solar plant on the island of Kiritimati, Kiribati.

NZ Energy Access to Maluku Energy Services (NZMATES), Indonesia

Infratec is currently delivering a project on behalf of the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs to build the capacity of local government, private sector and the community on Seram Island, Indonesia to identify and commercialize renewable energy projects, in particular small hydro. This is a five year project. 

Aurora Energy Pole Replacement program

Infratec has a team of HV line mechanics situated in Dunedin, New Zealand undertaking contractual works for Aurora Energy. This work includes participation in Aurora’s Fast Track pole programme.  The programme involves the replacement and remediation of poles and overhead equipment, including but not limited to fuses, cross-arms, insulators and pole-mounted transformers.

Orion Network Contracting

Infratec has a team of HV line mechanics and electrical fitters situated in Christchurch, New Zealand undertaking contractual works on the Orion network.  This work includes 11kW Live Line and de-energised work, 400V Live Line work, and 33kW and 66kV line construction. 

Alpine Energy Battery Storage Trial, New Zealand

Infratec designed, procured and installed a 36kW, 142kWh lithium ion battery energy system at Alpine Energy’s depot in Timaru, South Canterbury. At the time, it was New Zealand’s largest grid connected battery. The purpose of the project was to trial demand response, load shifting and alternative tariff structures from the perspective of a distribution lines company.

MV/ LV Upgrade for the Islands of Mitiaro & Mauke, Cook Islands

Infratec was awarded the NZD$3.9m ADB contract to upgrade 17km of MV and LV networks on the islands of Mitiaro and Mauke in the Cook Islands.  The upgrades are associated with the delivery of solar/ battery hybrid systems on these islands.  

Rarotonga Airport PV Installation, Cook Islands

In March 2014, Infratec was awarded a $3.3m contract to build a 961kW solar photovoltaic array at the Rarotonga Airport by NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The project has been named “Te Mana o te Ra” or “the power from the sun” by Prime Minister Puna.

The project was commissioned in October 2014. Supporting Infratec in delivering the project were New Zealand companies SolarCity, AECOM, and NETcon. Civil construction and DC electrical works were provided by Cook Island based Mike Rennie Builders Ltd and Andersons Ltd respectively.

The solar farm will be owned and operated by Cook Islands electricity company Te Aponga Uira. The solar farm is connected to the local 11kV grid and will produce about 5% of Rarotonga's annual electricity demand.

Nauru Network Rehabilitation Project

In July 2013, Infratec won an A$1.8m contract with the Government of Nauru to supply equipment and expertise to rehabilitate the Nauru electricity distribution system. The project was awarded to Infratec following a competitive international tender process, with funding provided by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund programme.

The contract required the supply and installation of 11kV and 415V overhead lines equipment, switchgear, transformers, customised maintenance vehicles and personal protective equipment over a 2 year timeframe in order to rebuild the network. A rotating team of senior line mechanics and cable jointers from NETcon in Timaru supervised the installation of the equipment and provided training to staff from Nauru Utilities Corporation over a ten month period, starting in November 2013.

Funafuti Government Rooftops PV Project

In late September 2014 Infratec and Solar City were awarded a $770,000 contract to build a 170kW solar array on two rooftops in Funafuti, Tuvalu for NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project also involved painting the rooftop of the three-storey Government Building prior to installing the solar array on the roof. The project was successfully commissioned in June 2015.

The project provides 5% of the island’s total electricity needs and reduces diesel imports by 62,000 litres annually.

Tongatapu Wind Energy Feasibility Study, Tonga

Infratec was commissioned by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tonga Power to assess the feasibility of wind energy in Tongatapu. Infratec, in conjunction with Aurecon, visited Tonga in early 2014 to meet with key stakeholders and inspect proposed wind farm sites.

The first phase of the project, completed in May 2014, involved a review of wind data captured from two masts on the island, previous pre-feasibility studies, assessing the two potential sites and developing a road map for a full feasibility study (Phase 2).

Phase 2 was completed in April 2015 and included assessing potential wind turbines for suitability, determining the preferred site for development, land owner negotiations, environmental impact assessments, geotechnical investigations, and producing final specifications and development costs for project funding applications.

Bamyan Renewable Energy Project, Afghanistan

In 2012 NETcon International (now Infratec) delivered a $NZ18.6m government contract in Afghanistan.  The Bamyan Renewable Energy Project entails the construction of a sustainable electricity network for people living in the Bamyan province of Afghanistan.

The project is funded by the New Zealand Government’s international aid and development programme with the purpose of leaving behind the “gift” of an off-grid, sustainable power supply to serve 2,490 homes in Bamyan that are currently without electricity.  The project was completed in November 2013 and is among the largest off-grid power systems in the world.

The Bamyan Renewable Energy Project comprises of five 30kW to 400kW solar farms (totalling 1.05 MW), diesel generators and battery back-up system and a new overhead network supplying the homes with pre-pay meters. In addition to physical infrastructure construction, this project includes the capacity development of the local utility company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, and a significant consumer education programme.

The building of the power network involved the construction of a transmission and distribution system of poles and conductors to the villages of Bamyan, Haiderabad Mullagulam, Dragon Valley, and Nawabad Township. This involved the fitting and erection of 345 poles to carry the 21kV system, plus a further 264 poles to carry a 400V system for the 2,490 house connections.