The Australian Energy Market Operator hailed the initial performance of the Tesla big battery in South Australia.
It is the world’s biggest lithium-ion battery – built by tech billionaire Elon Musk’s company Tesla last year – has survived its first summer in South Australia’s mid-north.
According to a new report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), it’s outperforming coal and gas generators on some key measures.
It may even save Australia from another statewide blackout, said The New Daily.
This will be the highest power battery system in the world by a factor of 3. Australia rocks!! https://t.co/c1DD7xtC90
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 7, 2017
It said the results of its first four months of operation shows it is faster and smarter than conventional turbines.
The 100MW/129MWh Tesla big battery was officially switched on in December 1, with 70MW providing network security for the grid operator, and another 30MW operating energy arbitrage in wholesale markets.
Graphs show the battery is significantly more accurate than conventional turbines.
Not only is it faster and smarter, the battery storage technology also provides a cheaper outcome.
Remarkably, the bulk of the battery’s discharge capacity – 70MW – has not even been used yet, said Renewable Economy.
It is there sitting in reserve in an emergency – like the state government owned diesel gen-sets – but has not yet been called upon.