Elon Musk’s company Tesla aims to construct the world’s largest lithium-ion battery to help South Australia.
Back in 2016, South Australia was hit by an “unprecedented” storm, the most extreme the region has seen in 50 years. The intense weather forced an incredible blackout and energy woes continue to this day. In response, Musk sent a helpful Twitter promise in March to build a battery farm within 100 days, or it’s free of charge.
Tesla already holds the record for the reining largest battery, which debuted in California earlier this year. The battery is capable of 80 megawatt hours of capacity, and was built in a 90-day timeframe. However, Musk tweeted that his new endeavor will be three times more powerful than any current system, storing 100 megawatts (129 megawatt hours) capable of powering 30,000 homes.
The Tesla system will work in tandem with the South Australian Government and French renewable energy company Neoen’s Hornsdale Wind Farm, located near South Australia’s Jamestown. Tesla’s contribution will charge using the wind farm’s renewable energy, and provide power during peak times to maintain a dependable electrical infrastructure.
“It will completely transform the way in which renewable energy is stored, and also stabilize the South Australian network as well as putting downward pressure on prices,” says Premier of South Australia Jay Weatherill.
“Tesla is proud to be part of South Australia’s renewable energy future, and we expect this project will provide a model for future deployments around the world that will help significantly accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy,” according to Tesla in a press release.
With such a large-scale project in the works, Musk acknowledged Tesla will have to overcome some technical obstacles, but is still confident in an overall successful venture.
