Gigantic Tesla Energy Storage Devices to Power $145 Million Battery Venture in Australia
Merredin Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to Boost Western Australia's Renewable Energy
The Merredin Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 100 MW / 400 MWh four-hour battery project, is set to revolutionise Western Australia's energy landscape. Located approximately 7.5-8 km southwest of Merredin, the facility is being developed by Atmos Renewables in partnership with Nomad Energy[1][2][3].
Construction of the Merredin BESS is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025, following a financial close in June 2025 and development approval granted in April 2024[2][3]. The project will utilise Tesla Megapacks with grid-forming inverter technology and will be constructed by GenusPlus Group[3][4]. Western Power will manage the grid connection to the nearby Merredin Terminal Station on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS)[3][4].
Strategically positioned midway along the 650 km Muja to Kalgoorlie 220 kV transmission line, the Merredin BESS will provide four hours of dispatchable energy storage, enhancing grid stability and energy security primarily for the Wheatbelt and Eastern Goldfields regions[1][3][4]. This project is one of four battery projects awarded contracts under the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, which underpins Australia’s national target of 82% renewable energy by 2030[1][4].
The Merredin BESS is a significant development for Atmos Renewables, marking their first-ever battery facility and their 18th operational asset overall[5]. Atmos and Nomad aim to develop a pipeline of renewable energy projects totalling over 1 GW in Western Australia by 2030[6]. The project is expected to generate around 70 construction jobs and 3-5 permanent operational jobs, providing economic benefits to the local region[2][4].
Community involvement remains a top priority for Atmos. As Baker, Atmos' Managing Director, stated, "Atmos is dedicated to partnering with local communities and suppliers to ensure the long-term success and positive legacy for all our projects."
The Merredin BESS is another milestone in Tesla's expanding energy footprint. In fact, during Q2 2025, Tesla deployed a record 9.6 GWh worth of energy storage products globally[7]. Tesla's Megapacks are increasingly being used for some of the world's most ambitious battery projects, including the Merredin BESS[8].
The total cost of the project is $145 million USD ($220 million AUD)[4]. The successful activation of the Collie Battery Stage 1 project in October 2024, also in Western Australia, precedes the Merredin BESS[9]. The Merredin BESS stands as a significant step towards Western Australia's renewable energy targets and a more resilient grid.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Capacity | 100 MW / 400 MWh, 4 hours duration | | Location | ~7.5-8 km SW of Merredin, WA, adjacent to Merredin Solar Farm | | Partners | Atmos Renewables & Nomad Energy | | Construction Start | Q3 2025 | | Technology | Tesla Megapacks with grid-forming inverters | | Grid Connection | Western Power via Merredin Terminal Station | | Strategic Position | Midway on Muja-Kalgoorlie 220 kV line | | Jobs Created | 40-70 during construction, 3-5 permanent | | Impact on WA Renewable Goals | Supports 82% renewable energy target by 2030, improves grid stability and regional energy security |
References:
- ABC News
- RenewEconomy
- Atmos Renewables
- Renewable Energy Target
- Atmos Renewables
- RenewEconomy
- Tesla Q2 2025 Shareholder Letter
- Energy Storage News
- ABC News
- This significant project, the Merredin Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), will be developed by Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy in the renewable energy industry, seeking to invest in cutting-edge technology for four hours of dispatchable energy storage.
- The Merredin BESS, located in Western Australia, will contribute to the business sector by acting as a strategic position along the Muja-Kalgoorlie transmission line, enhancing grid stability and energy security, particularly for the Wheatbelt and Eastern Goldfields regions.
- The renewable energy industry will witness continued growth, with the success of the Merredin BESS being a stepping stone towards Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy's goal to develop a pipeline of over 1 GW of renewable energy projects in Western Australia by 2030, fostering economic benefits and job creation.
