New Government Policies - Community Batteries
Following the May 2022 Federal election, we assume the platform that the ALP took to the election will become government policy. Here’s an extract relating to “Community Batteries” from the document Powering Australia.
Refer to our Newsroom article which documented the commitment made by now Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, for a $500k Community Battery for Noosaville.
“COMMUNITY BATTERIES FOR HOUSEHOLD SOLAR
One in four Australian households have already joined the rooftop solar revolution – because it’s cheap, reliable and curbs pollution.
Reforms like Labor’s Renewable Energy Target, that the Government tried to abolish – have helped to speed this along and get cheaper electricity in the hands of Australian families.
But with just 1 in 60 households having battery storage, there’s more to be done. Our plan will enable homes with solar to share the power they generate with other households.
“It’s a $200 million investment to cut power bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid.”
(our emphasis)
Increasing battery storage across the country is vital to taking full advantage of cheap solar energy. Community batteries are already being trialled in several locations. Labor’s support will accelerate the rollout, to the benefit of households and the environment.
Solar households without batteries have to rely on the electricity grid when the sun isn’t shining. Labor’s investment will:
Cut power bills for households – by taking advantage of inexpensive solar energy that can be stored and used at peak times;
Cut emissions - by increasing the total use of renewable energy;
Allow households unable to install solar, like renters and apartment dwellers, to opt-in and draw from excess electricity in their community.
Reduce pressure on the grid – by reducing community reliance on the grid at peak times.
A community battery is around the size of a 4WD and provides around 500kWH of storage that can support up to 250 local households.
While models will be tailored to local needs, community batteries will be funded by the Commonwealth, installed by licensed electricians, and operated by network operators. Once a battery is installed in a community, providers will invite local households to participate – just like they offer solar and battery schemes now.
Household solar ideally needs to be supported by battery storage, and community batteries offer greater economies of scale than household batteries, with lower capital, installation and maintenance costs.
They also store and distribute electricity more efficiently, by allowing excess solar power to be shared (for example when families are on holidays, or with households unable to install solar).”