French renewable energy developer Neoen has recently completed the second phase of its impressive Collie Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Western Australia, solidifying Tesla Megapacks as the foundation of the project. This milestone was achieved with the installation of 348 Tesla Megapack 2XL units, adding 341 MW/1,363 MWh of capacity to the system. Combined with Stage 1, which went online in October 2024 and included 224 Megapacks providing 219MW / 877MWh of capacity, the Collie BESS now boasts a total of 572 Tesla Megapacks contributing to a storage capacity of 560MW / 2,240MWh.
Neoen, now owned by Canadian asset manager Brookfield, initiated power discharge from the expanded Collie BESS into the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) on October 1, 2024. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining grid stability by charging during peak solar output hours and discharging during evening demand peaks. Additionally, the Collie BESS has secured long-term contracts with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to provide essential system services.
This project, located near Synergy’s 2 GWh Collie Battery initiative, is a significant addition to Australia’s renewable-heavy grid. With an investment of approximately $850 million AUD ($550 million USD), the Collie BESS stands as one of Neoen’s most ambitious undertakings, illustrating the increasing utilization of Tesla Megapacks for large-scale battery storage solutions globally.
The completion of Stage 2 of the Collie BESS underscores the continued growth and adoption of utility-grade clean energy storage solutions, with Tesla Megapacks playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy practices. This project serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of renewable energy technologies and their integration into modern grid systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.