Gary Zhou 
- 🔋 Tesla Megapacks will help expand the Collie Battery in Australia into a 560 MW/2,240 MWh system, making it the biggest battery in the country.
- ⚡ Neoen, a French renewable energy developer, won the contract to triple the size of the Collie Battery, partnering with Tesla and UGL.
- 🏗️ The expansion will occur in two stages, with the first stage already underway to grow the battery to 219 MW/877 MWh, and the second stage adding 341 MW/1,363 MWh.
- ♻️ The battery expansion aims to help the coal town of Collie transition from coal power to renewable energy as its coal generators are expected to shut down within the next five years.
- 📈 Tesla believes its energy storage business will continue to grow and expects it to grow faster than its car business, with Megapack deployments reaching an all-time high in Q1 2024.
- 💰 The Collie Battery will provide 300 MW of storage capacity for 4 hours of discharging during evening peak hours, addressing risks related to coal power plant retirement and increasing energy demand in Western Australia.
In the heart of Western Australia, a remarkable transformation is taking place. The small coal town of Collie is poised to become a beacon of sustainable energy, thanks to the ambitious expansion of the Collie Battery – a project that will see it grow into the largest battery system in Australia.
Tesla Megapacks: Driving the Energy Transition
At the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative are Tesla’s cutting-edge Megapacks. These state-of-the-art energy storage systems are playing a pivotal role in the expansion of the Collie Battery, which will ultimately boast an impressive capacity of 560 MW/2,240 MWh – a true game-changer in the realm of renewable energy storage.
Tesla’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions has been a driving force behind the growth of its energy storage business. During the first quarter of 2024, the company witnessed an all-time high in Megapack deployments, reflecting the surging demand for large-scale energy storage solutions.
The Collie Battery Expansion: A Monumental Undertaking
Leading the charge in this monumental undertaking is Neoen, a French renewable energy and storage developer. Having secured the contract to triple the size of the Collie Battery, Neoen has formed a powerful partnership with Tesla and UGL, leveraging their respective expertise to bring this ambitious project to life.
The expansion will unfold in two stages, with the first stage already underway. This initial phase involves growing the Collie Battery to a formidable 219 MW/877 MWh capacity. The second stage will see an additional 341 MW/1,363 MWh added to the system, cementing its position as Australia’s largest battery.
Transitioning from Coal to Renewable Energy
Collie’s legacy as a coal town is deeply ingrained in its history, but the tides are turning. With the imminent shutdown of the town’s coal generators within the next five years, the battery expansion project represents a crucial step in Collie’s transition from coal power to renewable energy sources.
By harnessing the power of Tesla’s Megapacks, the Collie Battery will play a vital role in addressing the risks associated with the retirement of coal power plants, the increasing penetration of rooftop solar, and the growing energy demand in Western Australia.
Powering the Future with Reliability and Efficiency
Once fully operational, the Collie Battery will be capable of charging and discharging an impressive 20% of the average demand on Western Australia’s main grid, known as the South West Interconnected System. Moreover, the second stage of the expansion is contracted to provide 300 MW of storage capacity, enabling 4 hours of discharging during evening peak hours.
This remarkable feat of engineering and innovation will not only contribute to a more sustainable energy future but will also enhance the reliability and efficiency of the region’s power grid, ensuring a seamless transition to a greener tomorrow.
As the world continues its relentless pursuit of renewable energy solutions, the Collie Battery expansion stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, technological innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability. With Tesla’s Megapacks at the heart of this remarkable endeavor, Australia is poised to lead the way in the energy transition, paving the path towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
