Vector and Auckland Council partner to light Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will soon have permanent coloured lighting which - in a world first – will be powered by solar energy and battery, and can be transformed into special event lighting displays.

As part of the multimillion dollar energy efficiency partnership between Vector and Auckland Council, the iconic landmark will be the first bridge in the world to have all its lighting - operational, structural and special event - able to be powered entirely by solar-stored energy. The LED lights will be individually controlled, capable of transforming the bridge with lighting shows for special events and occasions.

Six hundred and thirty solar panels and one gigantic energy storage battery, producing enough energy for 200 homes, will power the bridge lights, and the energy system will also be able to supply power for use in Wynyard Quarter.

Lighting the bridge with energy efficient LED lights and sustainable energy generation represents the next phase of a ten-year partnership between Vector and Auckland Council. Together, they are already promoting the use of energy efficient technology in homes and schools via a community programme in Auckland’s southern suburbs.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said, "The harbour bridge is an icon of Auckland. Lighting it up will make the city at night a more interesting and vibrant sight.

"Powered by solar energy it will also reflect our commitment as a city to energy efficiency, sustainability and low carbon emissions.

"It's great to partner with Vector on this project. I welcome their vision and their commitment to making Auckland a more interesting and better place to live."

Vector has forged an international reputation as an innovator in the energy sector regularly collaborating with global technology leaders. Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie said the capabilities learnt as a result means it has developed the expertise to deliver this world first.

“No one will ever look at the bridge in the same way when the new lights are turned on and it will highlight Vector’s commitment to making sustainable energy available to the businesses and homes of Aucklanders,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“At Vector, we are at the forefront of sustainable innovation, reshaping how energy is distributed so Aucklanders have a choice in how they store and use it. Through the partnership with Auckland Council we are bringing world leading technology to Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and the communities in the region.”

The NZ Transport Agency, which manages the bridge infrastructure is pleased to support the use of new technology and to work with Vector and Auckland Council towards delivering a forward thinking and energy efficient method of showcasing such an iconic Auckland landmark.

“The bridge has been an integral part of the city since it was built more than 50 years ago and we’re delighted to be using sustainable resources to bring it to life at night,” says NZ Transport Agency Chief Executive Fergus Gammie.

The NZ Transport Agency has a separate project to replace the existing road lighting with energy efficient LED lights over the next 18 months.