World´s Largest Energy Storage facility will be in Monterey, California
Tesla is building the largest battery mega facility in the world.
Tesla Inc (Nasdaq: TSLA) and PG&E have begun building the world's largest energy storage system. The record breaking system will feed up to 730 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy into the power grid using 256 of Tesla's lithium-ion (Li-ion) megapacks. Tesla says the two companies have the option to upgrade the facility in Moss Landing, Monterey, Calif., To 1.2 gigawatt hours. That way, it could provide six hours of electricity to every home in Francisco. The two companies are expected to complete construction of the facility in 2021. Both companies will maintain the power plant plan, with PG&E remaining the owner. The construction of mega storage power plants around the facility means a move away from hydrocarbon-based energy systems. "Battery energy storage plays a vital role in improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the power grid, integrating renewable resources and reducing dependence on fossil fuel generation," said Fong Wan, senior vice president, PG&E. After installation, the company intends to initiate another phase of upgrading the facility to 1.2 GW capacity. This means that the system will be up to ten times larger than the Australian Hornsdale power plant, which was also developed by Tesla. The power plant based on Moss Landing is supposed to relieve the network due to the growing demand for electricity. The facility will also provide an alternative renewable energy source that is much more sustainable. According to PG&E, Tesla's Megapack system will save consumers over $ 100 million over the 20-year lifespan of the project. Tesla ramped up version 3 solar roof tile production in late 2018 and early 2019 to expand facilities in New York and other parts of the country. Tesla installations include those in Ulster, New York, and others in Orange and Westchester. With version 3 of the Tesla solar roof tiles, the installer does not have to cut the glass tiles on site. This will help reduce the chance of micro-cracks after installation.