Neoen, global renewable energy providers, has completed its 50% expansion of Hornsdale Power Reserve (HPR) in South Australia, adding 50MW which makes it the world’s first big battery to upgrade to the capacity of 150MW.

Delivered in partnership with Tesla, the South Australian government and the Australian government (through the CEFC and ARENA), the battery will continue to support the state’s renewable energy targets and bring technological innovations to the grid.

The upgrade has delivered over $150 million in savings to SA energy customers according to an independent review by Aurecon. Customers will reap the benefits into the future as renewables continue to penetrate the market and bring their positives with them.

According to the same Aurecon report, the construction of HPR has delivered a significant economic boost to the state, leading to the creation of 158 jobs and generating over $300 million in economic value to the state.

Neoen Australia managing director Louis de Sambucy says that the company is thrilled to announce the completion: “With this expansion and the commencement of grid-scale inertia testing, Neoen continues to lead the way in battery storage innovation and reinforces its contribution and commitment to South Australia’s 100% renewable energy target.”

Australian minister for energy and mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan adds: “Our $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund is making power more affordable and secure for households, including through this project, the first large demonstration in the world of how batteries can provide system strength similar to traditional power generation.

“This is a cutting edge service which will help address our historic system security challenges and allow us to adopt more renewable energy.”