Tesla’s mega-battery has begun dispensing power into an electricity grid in South Australia.
The world’s largest lithium ion battery was officially activated on December 1.
The 100-megawatt battery had in fact provided some power since November 30 due to demand caused by local hot weather.
South Australia has been crippled by electricity problems in recent times.
Tesla founder Elon Musk famously vowed to build the battery within 100 days – a promise that was fulfilled.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said on December 1: “This is history in the making.”
Elon Musk and Tesla to Build World’s Biggest Lithium Ion Battery in South Australia
The battery would prevent a repeat of a notorious incident last year where the entire South Australia lost power, Jay Weatherill said.
Elon Musk has described it as three times more powerful than the world’s next biggest battery.
The idea began when Elon Musk was asked on Twitter if he was serious about helping to resolve South Australia’s electricity woes.
Tesla boss said he was – adding that if the battery wasn’t built within 100 days, South Australia would receive it for free.
The countdown began on September 30 after a plan was approved by the state government and regulators. Tesla finished the battery in about 60 days.
Located near Jamestown, about 125 miles north of Adelaide, the battery is connected to a wind farm run by French energy company Neoen.
When fully charged, the battery can power up to 30,000 homes for an hour. However, it will mostly be used to support and stabilize existing electricity supplies.
The mega-battery is comprised of a grid system that runs on the same technology that powers Tesla’s cars.
In a statement, Tesla said the completion of the battery “shows that a sustainable, effective energy solution is possible”.
