The ACT will receive three of the first 58 community batteries under a Federal government program, delivering more affordable and secure solar power to locals, Labor politicians announced today.
The Community Batteries for Household Solar program – a Labor election commitment – will rollout 400 batteries across the country to store affordable solar energy for use during peak times, and to share excess power with other households in their area.
The batteries in the ACT will be located in Casey, Dickson, and Fadden.
The battery rollout will help Australia move towards 82 per cent renewables in the National Electricity Market by 2030, Labor politicians stated.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will develop a program to deliver the remaining 342 batteries following a stakeholder consultation process.
Applications for the first 58 community batteries will open on 30 January.
Releasing the guidelines in advance allows communities and industry to develop high-quality applications that demonstrate benefits for communities and value for money, the politicians said.
Announcing the grant guidelines for the first 58 batteries, Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said he was excited about the program’s potential benefits for Australians.
“One in every three Australian households have solar panels – the highest rate in the world – but far fewer have batteries to store their energy for later use”, Mr Bowen said.
“Community batteries can do this while also allowing stored energy to be shared with others who can’t install rooftop solar.
“These community batteries will not only benefit households with solar panels, but will help lower electricity bills, cut emissions, and reduce pressure on the electricity grid for the broader community.”
Dr Andrew Leigh, Alicia Payne, and David Smith, the ACT’s three Labor MPs, welcomed the announcement.
“This is great news,” Dr Leigh said. “Canberrans have enthusiastically embraced renewable energy, and community batteries have an important role to play in future proofing our electricity grid.
“While the Liberals were focussed on obstructing action on climate change, they ignored the potential for renewables to reduce the cost of energy. While power prices have risen throughout Australia this year, they have fallen in the ACT and that’s thanks to renewables.”
Ms Payne said Canberrans are desperate to see climate action, and have taken matters into their own hands by investing in renewables.
“The ACT community prides itself on our use of renewable energy – with more than one in four ACT households having installed rooftop solar – so we are pleased to be included as a pioneer of the program,” Ms Payne said.
“With three new batteries across the ACT, we will be able to play our part in the national transition to renewable energy, reducing our emissions while also driving down energy prices for households.”
“Many members of the Bean community voted for action on Climate Change this year, and we look forward to working with the ACT government to deliver this particular commitment,” Mr Smith said.
