Apple introduced an enormous new energy storage project in California, and we discovered that Tesla will provide its Megapack battery methods for the project.
In a press launch yesterday, Apple introduced that it’s constructing an enormous new 240 MWh energy storage project at its photo voltaic farm in Northern California:
“Apple is constructing one of the largest battery projects in the country, California Flats — an industry-leading, grid-scale energy storage project capable of storing 240 megawatt-hours of energy, enough to power over 7,000 homes for one day. This project supports the company’s 130-megawatt solar farm that provides all of its renewable energy in California, by storing excess energy generated during the day and deploying it when it is most needed.”
It would certainly grow to be one of the most important battery initiatives within the nation and on the earth.
For comparability, Tesla’s famous ”Big Battery” in South Australia has 193.5 MWh of energy storage capacity.
What Apple didn’t reveal within the announcement is that Tesla is concerned within the project.
The Verge discovered paperwork submitted to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for the project that reveals it will likely be utilizing 85 Tesla Megapacks:
“The Proposed Modification would allow up to 60-megawatt (“MW”), 240 megawatt-hour (“MWH”) of electrical energy generated by the CFS Project to be saved on-web site throughout low demand intervals and subsequently distributed throughout peak demand intervals. The Proposed Modification would entail the development and set up of the BESS which incorporates up to 85 Tesla Megapack battery models. Each group of 4 Megapack battery models can be put in on an roughly 75-foot (“ft.”) by 12-ft. by 2-ft thick concrete pad. Additional enhancements embody facility upgrades to the prevailing CFS Project northern substation to enable for further energy to be transformed from the BESS, a transmission line (both above or beneath floor) to the prevailing CFS substation, an actual time monitoring and management system, numerous security options, drainage enhancements, web site fencing, in addition to a new proposed driveway from Turkey Flats Road.”
Megapack is Tesla’s giant-scale energy storage product used for utility initiatives. It consists of container-dimension batteries with energy electronics all in a single bundle.
Considering Tesla is estimated to cost between $200 and $300 per kWh for Megapacks, it is a vital project between the 2 firms since Apple is probably going paying Tesla over $50 million for the batteries.
There is kind of a rivalry between the 2 California-based firms, particularly when it comes to expertise.
Over the years, they’ve poached a major quantity of engineers and executives – most lately primarily Apple from Tesla for the former’s self-driving electric vehicle project.
But on the energy facet of issues, Apple wants Tesla’s assist now to obtain its purpose to grow to be carbon impartial for its provide chain and merchandise by 2030.
A giant half of reaching that purpose is working all its operations on renewable energy. Apple has been engaged on that by investing in photo voltaic and wind energy, however these renewable energy sources want to be balanced with energy storage since they’re intermittent.
Like many different firms and electrical utilities, Apple turned to Tesla’s energy storage options, which have been booming currently.
Last quarter, Tesla deployed a record 1,584 MWh of energy storage – nearly 200% enhance year-over-year and 100% enhance quarter-over-quarter.
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