Overview
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is the world’s first big battery. It provides essential grid-support services.
The first 100 MW/129 MWh was completed in November 2017. In its first two years of operation the Hornsdale Power Reserve confirmed the benefits associated with grid-scale batteries in the National Electricity Market and saved South Australian consumers over $150 million.
Following this success, a 50 MW/64.5 MWh expansion was completed in September 2020. As part of the expansion the full 150 MW has been upgraded to include Tesla’s Virtual Machine Mode, enabling the battery to provide inertia support services to the electricity grid.
Battery
Battery storage allows us to store the energy and provide it to the grid whenever it’s needed.
Click map to enlarge
Location
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is located in a strong part of South Australia’s electricity transmission network approximately 15km north of Jamestown, about 3 hour’s drive from Adelaide.
The project is located next to the Hornsdale Wind Farm.
Visit the SA Big Battery
Drive 15-mins from the town of Jamestown:
- follow Appila Road north for 10kms
- turn right onto Caltowie-Hornsdale Road
- follow for 10kms to Number 1267
- the viewing area turnoff is about 250m past Number 1267
- park your car and stroll down the walkway to see the Hornsdale Power Reserve up close!
Benefits
FOR LOCAL ECONOMY
Providing full time jobs plus ongoing opportunities for local businesses
For the consumer
Reducing South Australia’s energy costs by more than $150 million in the first two years.
For your community
Up to $60,000 per year
funding for local community initiatives and projects
Project Lifecycle
1
Site Selection
We undertake research & early negotiations with landowners for options to lease or purchase sites that show potential for hosting renewable energy assets.
2
Feasibility
We create preliminary designs & initiate feasibility studies to identify site constraints. We commence early engagement with Traditional Owners, neighbours, local council and the community. We hold community information sessions locally.
3
Planning & Approvals
Extensive studies & surveys are undertaken to create detailed project design before submitting a Development Application (DA) to the South Australian Government. Ongoing community and governmental consultations help refine project plans. We initiate grid connection enquiries.
4
Pre-Construction
If the DA is approved, we conduct a procurement process to appoint a construction contractor. Grid connection agreements & energy contracts get finalised, and our focus shifts to securing financing from lenders. A networking session is held for local jobseekers, suppliers & businesses to discuss upcoming opportunities.
5
Construction
The site mobilises, local suppliers & jobseekers are appointed, and civil, mechanical & electrical works commence. The project becomes a reality as the construction team builds and commissions the asset.
6
Operations
We maintain the asset for at least 25 years to ensure strong energy generation & revenue optimisation. Our community benefit-sharing program begins contributing to local initiatives.
- We Are Here
7
Decommissioning or Site Renewal
We decide on whether to continue operations or decommission the site. New construction works or site rehabilitation is undertaken.
News
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With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are Australia’s largest 100% renewables company.
We own and operate many of our projects for the long-term and are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities as a responsible neighbour. Our dedication to the community and environment has made us a ‘developer of choice’ and a pioneer in the industry.
Since 2012, we have contributed over 4.5 GW of renewable energy & storage assets and invested over $7 billion towards Australia’s energy transition.