The first delivery of over 300 Tesla Megapacks has arrived at the site of the Stanwell Battery Project in Queensland, Australia, marking a significant step toward replacing a coal generation plant with a large-scale battery energy storage system. Located near Rockhampton, this project is set to feature a total of 324 Megapack units, aimed at supporting a substantial 300 megawatt (MW) and 1,200 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery installation.
In a press release issued last week, the Stanwell Battery Project announced the arrival of the initial Tesla Megapack 2XL units. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and enhance the region’s reliance on cleaner and more flexible energy solutions. Angie Zahra, General Manager of Stanwell Central Generation, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The Stanwell Battery is part of the diversification of our portfolio, to include cleaner and more flexible energy solutions. It is just one part of the 800 MW of battery energy storage capacity we have in our pipeline.”
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
The project is in collaboration with government-owned company Yurika and is expected to create approximately 80 jobs during the construction phase. The full commissioning of the battery system is anticipated by May 2027, with the initial operational phase of the Megapacks projected for November 2025.
The Stanwell Battery Project is designed to replace the existing Stanwell coal generation plant, which the government plans to phase out starting in 2026. This move is part of an ambitious initiative to achieve an 80 percent renewable energy generation ratio by 2035. Alongside the Stanwell project, the government is also set to gradually wind down the Tarong and Callide coal plants.
The capacity of the Stanwell Battery to discharge 300 MW of energy for up to four hours positions it among the largest battery projects in Queensland. This development reflects a significant shift in the region’s energy landscape, moving towards sustainable practices while addressing the energy demands of the future.
Global Production and Impact
Tesla operates two major Megapack production facilities, one located in Lathrop, California, and another that began operations earlier this year in Shanghai, China. The Shanghai Megafactory shipped its first units to Australia in March 2025, and both facilities are projected to reach a combined production capacity of 10,000 Megapack units per year once they achieve full-scale operations.
The arrival of these Megapacks not only signifies a move towards renewable energy for Australia but also highlights Tesla’s commitment to advancing energy storage technology on a global scale. Each Megapack unit can supply enough energy to power approximately 3,600 homes for an hour, showcasing the potential impact of this technology on local energy consumption.
As the Stanwell Battery Project progresses, it represents a critical step in transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy future for Queensland and beyond. The integration of such large-scale battery systems is pivotal in addressing both current and future energy needs while mitigating the environmental impact associated with traditional coal-powered energy generation.
