A new community battery in North Sydney has been switched on, aiming to lower power bills and boost energy reliability for around 350 locals.
The 200kW/284kWh Cammeray battery energy storage system is built and owned by Ausgrid.
The Federal Government said community batteries ensure everyone has access to cheap, reliable renewables when and where they need it, whether they are a homeowner with solar, renting an apartment or living in social housing.
Around 350 locals are expected to benefit from savings of around $200 a year, as the battery absorbs excess rooftop solar during the day and feeds it back to the network during peak times.
Community batteries can also avoid or defer costly upgrades to the electricity network’s poles and wires, benefitting all consumers through reduced network tariffs.
The Federal Government said one in three households have embraced solar, but only around one in 40 households have battery storage.
The Community Batteries for Household Solar program aims to ensure households can share or use their excess rooftop solar energy locally and reap the economic benefits without having to buy their own battery.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “Our Reliable Renewables Plan is bringing cleaner, cheaper and reliable renewable energy to communities across the country, including right here in North Sydney.
“The rain doesn’t always fall, but we always have water on tap because we store it for when we need it – batteries like the one in Cammeray will do the same thing with reliable and affordable renewable energy.”
Senator for New South Wales, Tony Sheldon, said, “Our focus has always been on delivering cheap, reliable, and clean energy, and that’s exactly what this battery will do for the community of North Sydney.
Mr Sheldon said the battery represents the government’s commitment to a renewable energy revolution that cuts bills, eases cost-of-living pressures and strengthens energy independence to secure Australia’s future.
