Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has made history once again - as its huge 100MW lithium-ion battery - the globe's largest, was switched on yesterday.
It began delivering electricity into South Australia's electricity grid and Tesla founder Elon Musk made good on his promise that the huge storage base could be built within 100 days.
READ: Tesla installs world’s largest lithium-ion battery in South Australia
He said he would provide it for free, if not.
The battery is paired to neighbouring Hornsdale Wind Farm, owned by French company Neoen, and will bring greater energy stability to the grid, which suffered blackouts last year.
It can provide 30,000 homes with power for up to an hour in the event of a blackout, but is more likely to be used to balance electricity supplies at less critical times.
The battery is estimated to have cost US$38mln to realise and is part of South Australia’s bid to provide half the state’s electricity from renewables by 2025.
"The completion of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery in record time shows that a sustainable, effective energy solution is possible,” said Tesla in a statement yesterday.
Tesla shares closed Thursday 0.43% higher at US$308.85 and nudged 0.28% higher after hours.
South Australia is now leading the world in dispatchable renewable energy, delivered to homes and businesses 24/7. The world’s biggest lithium ion battery. History in the making. @Tesla #cleanenergy #renewables pic.twitter.com/QCDfr1gob4
— Jay Weatherill (@JayWeatherill) 1 December 2017