Hornsdale Power Reserve

Completed

2017 – 2020

Hornsdale, SA

Hornsdale Power Reserve

The Hornsdale Power Reserve, known as the world’s first large-scale battery, provides crucial grid-support services. Initially completed at 100 MW/129 MWh in November 2017, it quickly demonstrated significant benefits for the National Electricity Market, saving South Australian consumers more than $150 million in its first two years.

100 MW/ 129 MWh

NEOEN/TESLA

COMMISSIONED

3,000MWS

PROVIDING UP TO 3,000MWS OF INERTIA
HALF OF WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE AN OPERATING LEVEL

50 MW/ 64.5 MWh

EXPANSION

WORLD’S 1st

BIG BATTERY

$150 MILLION

SAVED SA CONSUMERS MORE THAN
$150 MILLION IN ITS FIRST TWO OPERATIONAL YEARS

Overview

Following the initial success of the Hornsdale Power Reserve, a 50 MW/64/5 MWh expansion was finished by September 2020. This upgrade includes implementing Tesla’s Virtual Machine Mode across the full 150 MW capacity, enhancing the battery’s capability to provide inertia support services to the grid.

Installed adjacent to the Hornsdale Wind Farm in the mid-north of South Australia, the battery system will charge using renewable energy from the Hornsdale Wind Farm and then deliver electricity during peak hours to help maintain the reliable operation of South Australia’s electrical infrastructure.

CPP Scope of works

CPP designed and constructed the battery energy storage yard as well as the 275/33kV substation. The Hornsdale Wind Farm BESS project included:

The construction of the battery energy storage yard, including earthworks and foundations
Installation of Tesla battery power packs and inverters
Installation and commissioning of 33kV step up transformers
Supply and installation of 33kV MV cables linking the battery energy storage system to the new 275/33kV substation located within 400m
Construction and commissioning of the new 275/33kV substation