World’s largest Li-ion battery forms in Australia

The world’s largest lithium ion battery is being installed in Australia at the Hornsdale Wind Farm under an agreement between US firm Tesla, French renewable energy company Neoen (which owns the farm), and the South Australian Government.

“At 100MW and 129MWh, the Hornsdale Power Reserve will become not only the largest renewable generator in the state but also home to the largest lithium ion battery in the world,” said Neoen Deputy CEO, Romain Desrousseaux. “Together, the South Australian Government, Neoen and Tesla will demonstrate that renewables can provide dependable, distributable power that will turn a new page in Australia’s energy future.”

If the battery is not delivered with within 100 days of the grid interconnection agreement being signed, said Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the project will get the battrey for free.

In use, the battery will operate at all times providing stability services for renewable energy, and will be available to provide emergency back-up power if a shortfall in energy is predicted.

When complete, the wind farm is planned to have 105 turbines generating 315MW or 400GWh/year.

Each turbine tower is over 90m tall and its blades are 55m long.