case study: Vector Lights
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A BEACON FOR THE FUTURE OF ENERGY.
Globally, the energy sector is being transformed through innovation and new technology. It’s one of the most exciting times to be involved in the industry, but it is also one of the most unpredictable. As New Zealand’s biggest energy distributor, Vector must lead the adoption of clean energy technology to improve the network, reduce Auckland’s carbon footprint, and to ensure the region’s infrastructure can keep pace. In this age of technology steamrolling over traditional business operating models it’s about making the right choices and providing customers with options to support Auckland’s long- term interests. Investing in the network is about ensuring resilience as the city grows, and doing what we can to make sure the lights stay on for Aucklanders – especially during major weather events outside of our control, like the storm in April 2018. Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge, part of a 10 year smart energy partnership with Auckland Council, has become a symbol of new energy. It has its lighting needs met by solar and battery technology, with almost 3km of LED pixels (over 90,000) installed. It serves as a reminder to us and our customers in Auckland that times are changing. To get an idea of the pace of change in energy technology, it’s worth trying to imagine retrofitting old technology in place of new. If Vector Lights consisted of over 90,000 filament
lightbulbs instead of LED’s, not only would the installation give off a disconcerting warmth while driving across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, but it would also burn five times as much energy. To light the bridge with old-school light bulbs would have required 1,240 solar panels – compared with 248 currently – which would need the equivalent of more than 100 household rooftops to accommodate. Vector Lights is also an example of how new and exciting technology can come together to provide innovative energy solutions. Solar power, storage batteries, and peer-to-peer capabilities virtualise the connection between battery to bridge and power a massive lighting structure in a completely renewable and sustainable way which doesn’t put added pressure on our network or cost the earth in carbon emissions. There is no reason why the same thinking which led to Vector Lights being supported by a ‘micro-grid’ of sorts, such as the ones being developed by PowerSmart in the Pacific Islands, couldn’t be applied to more remote areas of Auckland. These areas are often connected by lines traversing many kilometres of rugged bush or coastline. In this way, Vector Lights is a real- world example of the exciting new energy solutions Vector can tap into for the benefit of Aucklanders.
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