The first batteries in the ARENA Community Batteries Project, coordinated by Momentum Energy, have been switched on – marking an exciting milestone in Australia's clean energy transition.
Five battery energy storage systems (BESS) have been installed across Adelaide, at Aston Hills Shopping Centre, Athelstone Shopping Centre, and two Living Choice retirement villages (Fullarton and Flagstaff Hill).
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Hon Chris Bowen MP was at Living Choice Flagstaff Hill today to celebrate the launch. He said the rollout of community batteries was central to delivering a fairer, more modern energy grid that capitalised on our abundant sunshine. "We're backing community batteries to bring down energy bills, cut emissions and share the benefits of rooftop solar with more Australians – whether you rent or live in an apartment no one should miss out on solar power in their homes."
These five batteries offer a total storage capacity of 770kW/2061kWh, helping bring down power costs for the retirement village residents and shop tenants by storing excess solar energy and earning money for supporting the electricity grid.
The rollout is part of a larger project to install 39 community batteries across South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland by mid-2026.
At the heart of the project is the Hydro Tasmania Virtual Power Plant (VPP), managed by Momentum Energy.A Virtual Power Plant is a network of energy assets that can be remotely controlled. They can include batteries, generators, or controllable loads like refrigeration systems. These assets pool their capacity so they can optimise a customer's energy use and also respond to help balance supply and demand in the grid. This is something that's important as Australia transitions to a grid increasingly powered by, sometimes intermittent, renewable energy. And there are financial incentives to participate, which can help create additional incentive for businesses to invest in infrastructure like batteries.
"This is about giving organisations more control over their energy use," said Momentum Energy Managing Director Lisa Chiba. "Our VPP helps customers buy and sell electricity at the right time, saving money and supporting the grid."
The project is an example of how working together can help bring smart energy solutions to life. The teams at Momentum Energy, battery owner Active Utilities and installer YES Group have worked closely to get the program underway quickly and efficiently. From contract signing in October last year, to the first batteries up and running in June, it's the kind of teamwork and action needed to support the energy transition.
Lisa Dowie, CEO of Active Utilities, said, "This is a proof of concept for embedded network renewable energy storage. It is a cost effective, intelligent and sustainable solution that strengthens communities and opens up opportunities across our national portfolio." Mark Yates, CEO of YES Group, added, "Storage is essential to the energy transition. These batteries capture renewable energy when it's abundant and discharge it when it's needed most, which brings real benefits to energy users and the grid."
The project received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the Community Battery Round 1 under ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program. Momentum Energy is coordinating the project on behalf of Hydro Tasmania.
The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government, and the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.
