Jemena and the Federal Government have switched on a new community battery in Coburg to harness more clean, reliable and affordable energy for locals.
The 118kW/400kWh Coburg battery is set to help power 244 local homes and businesses by storing excess rooftop solar during the day and feeding it back into the grid at night.
Co-funded by Jemena, the battery has been delivered by the Federal Government as part of its $200 million commitment to install 420 batteries nationwide under the Community Batteries for Household Solar program.
Community batteries help to both deliver lower energy costs and reduce the need for costly upgrades to poles and wires across the electricity network, saving consumers even more.
Commissioned by Jemena, the Coburg battery will enable locals – whether they have a solar set up or not – to use locally-generated energy when the grid needs it most. It is one of the first community batteries installed within Jemena’s electricity network.
Households with solar set ups may be able to export more solar as the new battery absorbs excess energy when the sun is shining, helping their rooftop investments.
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said energy storage is a critical part of Australia’s energy transition.
“With the way we power our homes and businesses changing rapidly, our government is getting on with delivering cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy right now.
“The Community Batteries for Household Solar program is making Australia’s energy system fairer and ensuring more Aussies can reap rewards from this renewable resource, regardless of their solar or home battery status.”
Federal Member for Wills, Peter Khalil, said the new community battery will help put welcome downward pressure on electricity prices for Coburg locals every year.
“The Coburg battery is another great local example of the Federal Government making the clean energy transition and delivering for the future and for the people of Wills.”
Jemena thanked artist Marco Pennacchia for his artwork on the battery, as well as its Community Reference Group Members for their input and feedback on the Coburg community battery.
