National

Tesla battery fire expected to burn for days

By AAP Newswire

Sep 27, 2023

Fire trucks — A Tesla battery continues to burn at one of Queensland's first large-scale battery storage sites. -AAP Image

A Tesla battery fire at one of Queensland's first large-scale battery storage sites could burn for days, as authorities warn nearby residents to stay indoors to avoid hazardous fumes.

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Emergency services were called at Bouldercombe, south of Rockhampton, about 7.45pm on Tuesday.

The site is privately owned by renewable energy and storage developer Genex.

The fire is contained, and crews will remain on site after being advised by Tesla to allow the fire to burn out, while residents have been urged to stay indoors to avoid the hazardous smoke.

The battery is one of 40 lithium Megapack 2.0 units supplied by Tesla.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, and Genex will seek advice from Tesla to pinpoint any potential cause.

"Genex Power confirms that one of the Tesla batteries at its Bouldercombe Battery project in Queensland caught fire," Genex said in a statement.

"No one was on- site at the time of the incident."

The $60 million Bouldercombe facility is the second large-scale energy storage system to be installed in the Sunshine State, and is expected to be fully operational by next month.

Police said the fire did not appear to be suspicious.