Tesla Megapack caught fire in Australia

The fire that damaged two Tesla Megapack battery packs on a huge energy storage project in Australia in July was caused by an undetected coolant leak during start-up tests. This conclusion is contained in a report published today by the state supervisory authority.

The regulator has authorized the resumption of testing at the Victoria Big Battery storage facility located near Melbourne. The project is managed by the French company Neoen SA, and the battery packs are supplied by Tesla.

At the same time, the Energy Safe Victoria agency clarified that it has yet to determine whether any violations of state safety rules were committed when handling electricity, and if so, whether there is a need to apply the force of law to the violator.

Neoen and Tesla expect to bring the 450 MWh storage into operation by December. Testing will resume tomorrow.