Tesla Expands Grid Battery Presence with New Megapack Installation in Alaska

This week marked another milestone in Tesla’s growing deployment of grid-scale batteries, as a new Megapack system went live in Anchorage, Alaska.

The $65 million battery energy storage system (BESS) project, boasting 40MW/80MWh capacity, is a joint venture between Chugach Electric and the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA). Featuring 24 of Tesla’s two-hour Megapack units, the installation aims to enhance grid reliability and efficiency in the region.

Chugach Electric CEO Arthur Miller emphasized the project’s significance: “The BESS enhances system flexibility, boosts reliability, saves fuel, and brings cutting-edge technology to the Railbelt. It’s a crucial step as we work to diversify power generation and create a more dynamic system.”

Key features of the Alaska Megapack installation:

• Serves as a backup resource during peak power demands and outages
• Utilizes Tesla’s Autobidder AI for instant response to grid needs
• Potential for future expansion up to 70 MW
• Expected to reduce natural gas consumption by approximately 5% annually

MEA CEO Tony Izzo highlighted the project’s benefits: “We’re excited to see this project contribute to our region’s energy future. We understand that reliability of power is the number one priority for our co-op members, and this initiative will improve power quality from the Bradley Lake Hydro project while reducing costs and increasing generation options for the entire region.”

Tesla’s Global Energy Storage Expansion

This Alaska project is part of Tesla’s broader strategy to deploy energy storage solutions worldwide. The company has been rapidly increasing its Megapack installations, with several new projects announced and completed in recent months.

To meet growing demand, Tesla is ramping up production at its dedicated “Megafactory” in Lathrop, California, and is nearing completion of a second Megafactory in Shanghai, China.

Tesla’s energy division has shown impressive growth, with 20.3 GWh of battery storage products deployed in just the first three quarters of this year, surpassing the 14.7 GWh deployed throughout all of 2023.

As Tesla continues to expand its energy storage solutions, projects like the Alaska Megapack installation demonstrate the company’s commitment to enhancing grid stability and promoting sustainable energy practices worldwide.