Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub goes online with 444 Tesla Megapacks

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH), a major grid-scale battery storage project in Victoria, Australia, has officially commenced operations, featuring 444 Tesla Megapacks. This facility delivers 600 MW of power and 1.6 GWh of energy storage capacity, making it one of Australia’s largest grid-forming batteries.

Located in western Melbourne, near key transmission infrastructure, the MREH stores massive amounts of energy generated from solar and wind farms during periods of high production. It then discharges this stored energy during peak evening demand, providing reliable power to up to 200,000 homes without risk of blackouts.

444 Tesla Megapacks installed at Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH)

A standout feature of the hub is its grid-forming capability. Unlike traditional batteries that merely respond to grid signals, the MREH actively provides essential services such as frequency control, synthetic inertia, and voltage support. These functions replicate the stability historically supplied by coal and gas plants, enabling greater integration of variable renewable sources.

The project is co-owned by Equis Energy Infrastructure Australia and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. Its scale surpasses earlier installations in the region, including the Victorian Big Battery (350 MW/450 MWh), and positions Victoria strongly toward its target of 95% renewable electricity by 2035.

The facility enhances energy security while supporting Australia’s broader goals for sustainable and affordable power. It also demonstrates how large-scale battery storage can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.