(REPOST: The Guardian)
The world’s largest lithium-ion battery has officially been turned on in South Australia promising to usher in a revolution in how electricity is produced and stored.
Tesla boss Elon Musk has made good on his promise to build the 100-megawatt facility on deadline or provide it free after blackouts last year that critics of the state’s Labor government blamed on pro-renewable policies.
The battery had begun dispatching some power into the state’s electricity network on Thursday afternoon as temperatures rose above 30C.
The state’s premier, Jay Weatherill, flicked the switch at Jamestown on Friday, saying it was history in the making. “I want to express my gratitude to the workers who have constructed this battery, they have every right to be proud of what they have constructed,” he said in a statement.
“South Australia is now leading the world in dispatchable renewable energy, delivered to homes and businesses 24/7,” Weatherill said.
In a dig at his critics in the federal government, he added: “While others are just talking, we are delivering our energy plan, making South Australia more self-sufficient, and providing back up power and more affordable energy for South Australians this summer.