Australia activates 1.6 GWh energy storage facility with 444 Tesla Megapacks

Australia has inaugurated the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities, with a capacity of 1.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) and the ability to supply electricity to up to 200,000 homes during peak evening demand. Located near Hillside, northwest of Melbourne, the hub combines 600 megawatts (MW) of capacity with 444 Tesla Megapack units distributed across three battery systems. Two systems provide 200 MW with two-hour storage, while a third offers the same power but with four-hour storage. Co-owned by the State Electricity Commission (SEC) Victoria and Equis Australia, the project includes three Toshiba 500 kV transformers and a pioneering underground 500 kV cable linking the site directly to the National Electricity Market (NEM) high-voltage transmission network, enabling efficient energy flow into key Victorian power corridors. The facility stores excess wind and solar energy generated during the day and releases it during evening peak demand or when renewable