Joint media release: Investing in cleaner, cheaper energy for Bexley North

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Albanese Government is turning on more reliable renewable energy with a community battery launched in Bexley North, delivered with our Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

While one in three Australian households have already embraced rooftop solar and are accessing cleaner and cheaper energy, less than 1 in 40 households have battery storage.

This program is about empowering communities to share in the renewable energy transformation – and the Albanese Government is rolling out more than 400 community batteries across the country.

The 267kWh battery energy storage system in Bexley North has been built by Ausgrid and will support energy security and grid reliability, not only putting downward pressure on electricity bills but also easing pressure on the grid.

The Albanese Government Reliable Renewables plan is transforming Australia’s energy system to a reliable 82 per cent renewable grid by 2030, supported by gas, storage and transmission.

The rollout of community batteries is vital in making sure everyone can share the benefits of renewable energy by storing rooftop solar energy during the day and dispatching at night where it’s needed.

The rain doesn’t always fall, but we always have water on tap because we store it for when we need it – batteries like the one in Bexley North do the same thing for reliable renewable energy.

The battery will also be connected to an electric vehicle (EV) charger, so local residents and visitors can use solar generated in the area to charge their electric cars.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said it would play an important role in helping households access cleaner, cheaper energy and increasing grid resilience.

“It’s incredibly exciting to deliver a community battery for Bexley North today, our Reliable Renewables plan is bringing cleaner, cheaper reliable renewable energy to communities across the country,” Minister Bowen said.

Member for Barton and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the Bexley North battery is a win for residents of Bexley North, and Barton.

“Not only will the battery help residents benefit from cleaner, cheaper renewable energy, it is a beautiful piece of street art,” Minister Burney said.

“Amanda Longbottom is a talented local Indigenous artist, and this new artwork is sure to become a local icon.”