Tesla cranks up big battery in Australia
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Tesla won a bid in July to build the 129 megawatt hour battery for South Australia, the country’s most wind power-dependent state, with a vow from Chief Executive Elon Musk to install it within 100 days of signing a grid connection agreement or give it to the state for free.
When the grid connection deal was signed on Sept 29, Tesla was already half way through installing the battery packs.
The Tesla Powerpacks have now been fully installed at a wind farm run by France’s Neoen, and testing is set to begin to provide grid security services in South Australia.
“While others are just talking, we are delivering our energy plan, making South Australia more self-sufficient, and providing back up power and more affordable energy for South Australians this summer,” state Premier Jay Weatherill said in a statement.
The state has yet to say how much it would pay for the battery, which is part of a AUS$510 million (US$390 million) plan that includes diesel-fired generators to help keep the lights on following a string of blackouts over the past 18 months.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary purpose of this large battery installation in South Australia?
What is the primary purpose of this large battery installation in South Australia?
The battery aims to make South Australia more self-sufficient, provide backup power, and offer more affordable energy for residents. It will also deliver grid security services and help prevent blackouts.
Q.What was the deadline Tesla committed to for installing the battery packs?
What was the deadline Tesla committed to for installing the battery packs?
Tesla's Chief Executive, Elon Musk, vowed to install the battery within 100 days of signing a grid connection agreement. If this deadline was missed, the battery would be given to the state for free.
Q.Why is South Australia particularly vulnerable to power supply issues?
Why is South Australia particularly vulnerable to power supply issues?
South Australia is the country's most wind power-dependent state. The energy market operator has warned of tight power supply, especially given the closure of a large coal-fired plant in a neighbouring state.
Q.Where exactly has the new Tesla battery been installed?
Where exactly has the new Tesla battery been installed?
The Tesla Powerpacks have been fully installed at a wind farm which is operated by France’s Neoen. Testing is now set to begin at this location.
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