The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Tom Koutsantonis MP, South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining
South Australia is powering up, with more than 50 new community batteries being switched on, helping more Australians get solar power into their homes and businesses.
The new batteries are being rolled out across Adelaide and regional South Australia, backed by the Albanese Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
These projects will deliver more than 13 megawatts of new battery storage, equivalent to powering up to 12,000 homes during peak demand periods. Vitally these projects contribute to the energy system overall, allowing solar energy to be stored and dispatched when it's needed most, supporting grid stability and lowering peak demand.
AGL, working in partnership with the South Australian Government, will deliver 16 community batteries as part of the emPowering SA program, prioritising social housing and households doing it tough.
Around 10,000 low-income and hardship-affected households will be offered discounted energy plans, with pricing at least 25% below the default market offer.
Momentum Energy on behalf of Hydro Tasmania are also launching the first of their 39 batteries across South Australia, NSW, Queensland and Victoria at shopping centres and retirement villages in Adelaide, using a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to ensure the batteries are purchasing or dispatching power at the right time to save on users' bills.
Both projects are backed by ARENA funding through the Albanese Government's $200 million Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen 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.
"With one in three homes having rooftop solar, community batteries are the next stage in ensuring everyone gets the benefit of the energy transformation.
"Community batteries store locally generated, excess solar energy for later use, putting downward pressure on household electricity costs and easing pressure on the grid."
SA Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the Malinauskas Government has a very clear, targeted commitment to making sure that everyone can benefit from the energy transition, and no-one is left behind
"Every megawatt off peak demand means dollars saved from energy bills.
The emPoweringSA fleet of community batteries will ensure people living in homes that cannot host their own solar or battery storage can still share in the benefits and savings that renewable energy provides.
It allows South Australia's abundant renewable energy to be harnessed through community-scale storage, benefiting households who need cost-of-living relief the most."
