The Australian Capital Territory's biggest battery is finally running. The 500 MWh Williamsdale battery energy storage system, south of Tuggeranong, has entered commercial operation, completing the Big Canberra Battery Project, ESS News reports. It uses Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries and can supply the equivalent of one-third of Canberra's peak demand for two hours.
The ABC reports that the site has 136 Tesla Megapack 2 batteries in 12 collector grids. The project was first expected to be finished in 2025 and then in early 2026, so it arrived about a year late. Eku Energy designed, built and owns the system, which cost more than AUD 300 million, according to ESS News.
Under the operating agreement, the ACT government will pay Eku Energy a support charge of $368 million in instalments over 15 years and is entitled to 50% of the battery's net revenue, the ABC reports. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he expects the project to make money for the territory.
