A former coal plant in Queensland, Australia is set to be transformed into a Tesla Megapack, a sustainable energy hub.
According to Teslarati, construction has begun on the nearly $330 million Tesla Megapack project funded by the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Works Fund.
According to their website, Tesla’s megapacks are “a powerful battery that provides energy storage and backup, helping to stabilize the grid and prevent outages,” eliminating the need for gas and coal plants.
By building the Megapack in Swanbank, Queensland, the Swanbank government hopes to store enough energy to power two-thirds of the city of Ipswich when needed. In case of an accident at night, the power can supply the city with power for two hours.
This is not the first Tesla Megapack project in Australia, as the country is a leader in lithium batteries for energy storage. The United States is also providing infrastructure for such energy storage with solar mega-packs in California and Massachusetts.
Burning coal can cause respiratory diseases and warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. Converting a former coal plant into a Tesla Megapack is a big step forward for clean energy and safety in the form of outages.
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With the expansion of these megapacks, residents can feel more secure with renewable energy stored during power outages that could affect data, refrigeration, healthcare, and other products.
The Megapacks are the newest models of Tesla’s rechargeable energy storage products after the company discontinues the Powerpack in 2022. Thanks to Australia’s investment in Megapack projects and incentives for smaller, home Powerwalls, the government hopes to see success in more affordable energy projects.
“Energy infrastructure is at the heart of what we do and we’re really looking forward to partnering with CleanCo Queensland, Tesla and of course the local community to reimagine Swanbank through the Clean Energy Centre,” said executive general manager Belinda Watton of Yurika.
“Along with cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy, this state-owned asset supports the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, creates jobs for Queenslanders and represents an incredibly positive investment in our clean energy future,” Watton said.
“This major battery is evidence that the Miles Government is taking real action to decarbonise our state’s economy in a way that makes living costs more affordable for Queenslanders,” Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Mick de Brenny said.
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