If you thought the Hornsdale Power Reserve in Australia featuring Tesla Megapacks adding up to 150MW was big, you would be right. It currently holds the record as the world’s biggest lithium-ion battery.
That record will be smashed next year as Tesla and French renewable energy developer Neoen have been awarded a contract in Victoria, Australia to build a battery with more than twice the storage capacity.
The 300MW/450MWh Victorian Big Battery will dwarf the Hornsdale battery, which comes in at 150MW/194MWh after a recent expansion that increased its size by 50%.
State Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Tesla Megapacks would improve energy reliability and help keep electricity costs low.
“We know in the time of climate change, our summers are getting far hotter and much longer, so that means there is increased strain on our thermal generators,” she said.
The state has signed a contract worth AUD $84 million, which will be for 250MW of the battery’s capacity, reports Renew Economy. While that might sound like a lot, D’Ambrosio says the investment is worth it in the long run.
“Our independent analysis shows for every dollar that is invested, it will present two dollars for every Victorian in terms of value,” she said.
Australia is well known for energy blackouts, which the new battery will help prevent by providing automatic energy in the event of an unexpected outage. It will also help stabilize the grid and help the State reach its goal of supplying 50% renewable energy by 2030.
The new battery will be installed near Moorabool Terminal Station near Geelong, and is planned to be operation near the end of 2021.
