Around 300 residents in Blaxland are set to benefit from five new community batteries launched by Endeavour Energy.
The utility has celebrated the new batteries as a significant step towards greener and more sustainable energy solutions for the Blue Mountains.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, emphasised the role of community batteries in creating a future-ready grid and more cost-effective energy.
“Households in my electorate have invested heavily in rooftop solar and I’m proud the Federal Government is investing in community batteries to help maximise the return on their investments,” she said.
“It is great that we’re bringing the next step of the clean green energy revolution to the lower Blue Mountains.”
New South Wales Secretary for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, said the five community batteries expand access to renewable energy for those who can least afford it – renters, pensioners, single parents and those struggling with the cost of living.
“You don’t need to have rooftop solar to participate in this program, you just need to live in Blaxland. It’s great for the environment, great for household savings and a positive step in addressing climate change,” she said.
The event also featured the unveiling of indigenous artwork on the first ground-mount community battery for the Blue Mountains.
Indigenous artist, Kelsie King, who is also a Gundungurra woman and long-time Blue Mountains resident, was commissioned by Endeavour Energy to create the community battery artwork.
Inspired by her father, David – a Gundungurra Elder – King designed the artwork featuring black cockatoos soaring through a sky-blue background.
“I wanted to create something that reflected what the land might have looked like for our ancestors – something deeply connected to Country,” she said.
Endeavour Energy said the unveiling is part of one of the most significant community battery programs in New South Wales, developed in partnership with the Federal Government.
The initiative involves the rollout of 76 batteries across 33 suburbs in Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and the Illawarra.
Endeavour Energy Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Leanne Pickering, highlighted the importance of community batteries in supporting the growth of household rooftop solar.
“Capturing and storing clean energy for customers to use when needed is essential for an effective and fair energy transition,” she said.
Blue Mountains City Council Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said he was proud to see the installation of Blaxland’s own community battery.
“It’s a vital step in building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for our residents and businesses.”
“Our residents trust us to take meaningful climate action, and supporting infrastructure like this battery is a key part of delivering on our sustainability commitments.
Greenhill thanked Endeavour Energy, EnergyAustralia, and all the dedicated council staff involved.
“This battery isn’t just about energy,” he said. “It’s about our community’s future and the smart choices we’re making to support it.”
