More than 420 community batteries to lower energy costs and boost reliability

The Albanese Government is lowering household power bills and boosting reliability in the electricity grid with the roll out of more than 420 community batteries across the country.

Today it was announced that the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is set to support up to 370 community batteries as part of Round 1 of its Community Batteries Fund, an increase from the original number of 342 thanks to an overwhelming response to its Expression of Interest process.

The Government is on track to deliver more than 420 community batteries across every State and Territory, including 58 community batteries already in the pipeline by Department of Industry, Science and Resources, through the Business Grants Hub. This exceeds the original election commitment of the Albanese Government to deliver 400 batteries under the Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

The program will provide shared storage for up to 100,000 households, empowering communities to all reap the benefits of the renewable energy transformation.

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.

ARENA sought applications for up to $20 million funding to deploy a minimum of five community batteries, each between 50 kW and 5 MW in size and connected to a distribution network.

At the launch of the latest community battery in Bexley North, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said it was a fantastic result.

“The demand for ARENA funds shows that that neighbourhood scale battery storage has a huge future,” Minister Bowen said.

“With one in three homes having rooftop solar, community batteries are the next stage in ensuring all communities get the benefit of the energy transformation.

“The Community Batteries for Household Solar program is proving extremely popular and is another example of Labor delivering on our commitments to bring cheaper bills while slashing emissions.

“Community batteries are a practical solution to ensuring an energy efficient future and give a boost to further expansion of rooftop solar for houses, apartment and community facilities.”

ARENA has conditionally approved, subject to finalisation, funding of $143 million to support the 370 community batteries. This is expected to unlock $359 million of investment in renewable energy infrastructure. All battery locations will be subject to finalisation of commercial agreements, planning approvals and community engagement.