The battery packs were supplied by Tesla and they are now operational and transmitting power to the National Energy Market.
The battery packs are expected to secure the region’s electricity supply and allows for clean and affordable wind energy being dispatched to the grid.
The Tesla Powerpack will be charged using power generated by the Hornsdale wind farm. The charged power is then delivered during peak hours to help maintain the reliable operation of electrical infrastructure in South Australia.
It is expected to provide an opportunity for Hornsdale Power Reserve to sign competitive long term contracts with medium-sized business directly.
In March, the State Government came out with its Energy Plan to deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy to South Australians and included the nation’s largest battery to store renewable energy and have back up power when it is needed.
In July, French renewable energy company Neoen and Tesla were selected to deliver the project.
It is also claimed that the battery was supplied within 63 days, but initially it was to be supplied under the State Government’s deadline in summer. The delivery is also ahead of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s self-imposed deadline of ‘100 days or it's free’.
Neoen deputy CEO Romain Desrousseaux said: “We would like to acknowledge the efficiency, support and vision of the South Australian Government to bring the state to the forefront of global energy storage technology.
“Neoen is focused on delivering long-term, sustainable energy solutions to the country and ambitious projects like the Hornsdale Power Reserve will contribute to South Australia leading the way into a clean energy future.
“Neoen is pleased to be able to reinforce its Australian footprint through the achievement of the Hornsdale Wind Farm & Battery and is extremely proud to contribute further to the development of renewable energy in Australia.”
Image: Illustration of Tesla Powerpack lithium-ion battery and Hornsdale wind farm in South Africa. Photo: courtesy of Tesla.
