Decommissioning
What happens at end of life: financial assurance requirements and site restoration commitments.
This page follows our Community Right-to-Know commitment
What We Know
End-of-Life Planning
The system itself is built to last more than 20 years. Because batteries naturally degrade, we will swap out or add LFP battery modules over time to keep the facility running at full capacity. From day one, we plan for what happens when the project's life is over.
What Happens to the Batteries?
Tesla Megapack batteries contain valuable materials that have a strong economic incentive for recycling:
- Lithium, copper, aluminum, and other metals are recovered and reused in new batteries or other products
- Tesla operates its own battery recycling program, recovering over 92% of battery materials
- Battery recycling is a growing industry: by the time we decommission this facility, recycling infrastructure will have matured even further.
Site Restoration
When we decommission the project, we will restore the site to its prior condition:
- We will remove all equipment, including Megapack units, inverters, and transformers
- We will remove or re-grade foundations and underground infrastructure
- We will re-vegetate the site with native species
- Our restoration plan will address stormwater infrastructure
Financial Assurance
The project will establish financial assurance for decommissioning. We set aside funds in advance to guarantee that the owner can complete the decommissioning process, regardless of their financial condition. This assurance may take the form of:
- A decommissioning bond or letter of credit
- An escrow account funded over the project's operating life
- Another form of financial security acceptable to regulators
What We're Still Studying
- Detailed decommissioning cost estimate: we will prepare a professional estimate as part of the EFSB filing
- Financial assurance mechanism: we will determine the specific form of financial security in coordination with regulatory requirements
- Restoration standards: we will define the specific conditions for site restoration, such as returning the land to agricultural use or natural habitat
What You Can Influence
- Restoration preferences: share your vision for the site after decommissioning, whether you prefer restored forest, agricultural land, or community green space
- Financial assurance requirements: share your views on the level of financial protection that gives you confidence
- Community Benefits Plan: we can formalize decommissioning commitments as part of the CBP