Elon Musk powers South Australia with world’s biggest battery ahead of schedule

The state of South Australia announced today that it had powered up the world's biggest battery ahead of schedule - a feat that is being considered as one of this century's first great engineering marvels and a potential solution to the country's energy woes.

The battery, which is the size of an American football field is capable of powering 30,000 homes, and its rapid deployment crowns the efforts of a power deficit state and a pioneering entrepreneur, Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, who pledged to complete its construction in 100 days or do it for free.

''This is history in the making,'' said Jay Weatherill, the premier of South Australia, The Independent reported. In a statement, Tesla said the completed battery ''shows that a sustainable, effective energy solution is possible.''

Meanwhile, the commissioning of the battery has led to an intense debate over its potential. Federal lawmakers who favour fossil fuels argue that its impact is being exaggerated, while supporters gush that the state's embrace of Musk could change the future of energy in Australia and the world.

Meanwhile, experts say the development defines a moment of disruption.

"South Australia is now leading the world in dispatchable renewable energy, delivered to homes and businesses 24/7," Weatherill said.

"This is history in the making."

The 100 MW/129 MWh battery, located in the rural town of Jamestown north of Adelaide is connected to a wind farm operated by French energy firm Neoen.

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the battery delivered 70MW of stored wind energy into the state's market to meet peak demand.

The battery was launched on the first day of the Australian summer - the season when power consumption soars due to use of air-conditioning.