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The Microgrid project at Chatham Island is fully operated by renewable energy with the Vestesens patented Grid Balancing Plant and a Vestas Wind Systems Pre-Owned Windfarm
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The Grid Balancing Plant is one of the key solutions for global reduction of CO₂ emissions and lowers the cost of electricity
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Vestesen has been specializing in Microgrids since 1992 and is currently developing a new portfolio of projects in both New Zealand and Australia
Copenhagen, November 27, 2025: Chatham Islands Electricity Limited, the utility company serving Chatham Island, New Zealand, has commenced operations of its Microgrid project designed to power the island with up to 100% renewable energy penetration. The project has been approved and funded by the New Zealand Government through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
The Chatham Island Microgrid Project replicates the Microgrid project implemented on Vejrø Island, Denmark, by Vestas and Vestesen Hybrid Energy (Vestesen) in 2022. The combined technology solution is one of the key solutions for global CO₂ emissions reduction that at the same time reduces the cost of electricity.
Vestas has supplied and installed the 3 x V27-225kW windfarm, while Vestesen has designed, delivered, and commissioned the grid balancing plant. The Vestesen plant forms, stabilizes, and balances the local grid, enabling operation with 100% renewable energy.
The Vestesen grid balancing solution integrates and combines grid-forming inverters with proprietary and patented Vestesen technologies and advanced control strategies to both enhance the inverter’s capabilities and to support the grid, providing critical features, including, but not limited to, inertia from the rotating mass, reactive power, and fault current when needed.
“The Chatham Island Microgrid Project demonstrates grid-forming technology — a critical foundation for future offshore Energy Islands and next-generation onshore energy infrastructure. Vestesen delivers the world’s only proven, documented, and patented grid-forming solution, ready to power the large-scale energy systems of tomorrow,” says Thomas Vestesen, CEO of Vestesen.
“Since 1992, Vestesen has developed and refined its grid-forming technology for global markets. Vestesen is the only company offering a proven, patented solution for 100% renewable energy operation — protected in Denmark, the EU, the USA, and Australia — reinforcing our position as a trusted and reliable partner for electrification projects worldwide,” he continues.
The proven and robust Vestesen grid balancing plant technology is applicable to both Microgrids and Maingrid applications. Originally developed for isolated systems, the solution is increasingly relevant for national grids that now start to resemble isolated systems due to growing levels of renewable energy penetration.
The company is currently developing a new portfolio of Micro- and Maingrid projects in both New Zealand and Australia
As a financial partner EIFO, The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark, is backing Vestesen’s export ambitions:
“Vestesen and EIFO have mutual interests here. We support Danish exporters advancing the global green transition. Vestesen’s unique grid-stabilizing technology enables greater reliance on renewable energy, supporting the expansion of renewables and positively impacting local environments. That’s why EIFO is financing Vestesen,” Søren Lysgaard, Associate Director at EIFO said.
About Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands lies just 860 kilometers to the east of Christchurch and consists of a small group of 11 islands. They range in size from just a few hectares to the main Chatham Island at just over 920 square kilometers. These islands are New Zealand’s most easterly territory. There are about 720 people living on the Chatham Islands (June 2022 figures). The islands support a thriving business community and a unique way of life. There is an exceptional good wind resource at Chatham Island to be harvest by the new windfarm solution, that is measured to be about 9.5m/s in average in 30 meters height.
About Vestesen Hybrid Energy ApS
Vestesen Hybrid Energy develops, designs, and manufactures hybrid plants for Microgrids and Maingrid applications for the worldwide market. The company holds patents for its various hybrid technologies and has registered a number of new patent applications since the start of 2021. Vestesen’s patents include patent registrations in DK, EU, USA, and Australia. These technologies are used to allow electrical power grids to operate with 100% green energy. This includes hybrid plants for balancing an electricity grid with integration of hydrogen technologies for power-to-power and power-to-x projects.
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About Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Vestas Wind Systems A/S is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. Vestas designs, manufactures, installs, and services onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe, and with more than 179 GW of wind turbines in 88 countries, Vestas has installed more wind power than anyone else. Through Vestas’ industry-leading smart data capabilities and unparalleled more than 149 GW of wind turbines under service, Vestas uses data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions.
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