The largest electricity storage system in the history of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has been commissioned in Canberra. Located in Williamsdale, south of the Tuggeranong district, the facility consists of 136 Tesla Megapack 2 battery units with a combined capacity of 250 MW. At peak demand, it can supply electricity to approximately one-third of the city for two hours.
The system is connected to the electricity grid. It stores surplus electricity when demand is low and feeds that energy back into the grid during periods of higher demand. The project was developed, built and is operated by private company Eku Energy. Its launch was delayed by approximately a year: the facility was initially scheduled for completion in 2025, but the timeline was later pushed back to early 2026.
Under an operating agreement, the ACT government will pay Eku Energy A$368 million over 15 years. In return, the territory will receive 50% of the net revenue generated from selling the stored electricity.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr expects the revenue to exceed the costs of supporting the project, making it profitable for the territory.
The battery storage facility is also expected to provide additional energy infrastructure for homes, businesses, hospitals, universities and data centres.
