THE federal government is seeking organisations to install its planned community batteries.
Labor committed to funding the community batteries before its election last year. One of the planned batteries will be in Carrum Downs.
On 30 January the government will begin considering applications for grants. Funding of up to $500,000 will be available to be used on the construction of community batteries.
Energy minister Chris Bowen said that battery technology would help cut energy prices and reduce emissions. “One in every three Australian households have solar panels – the highest rate in the world – but far fewer have batteries to store their energy for later use. Community batteries can do this while also allowing stored energy to be shared with others who can’t install rooftop solar,” he said.
“These community batteries will not only benefit households with solar panels, but will help lower electricity bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid for the broader community.”
Dunkley MP Peta Murphy said “our local community prides itself on our use of renewable energy and we are pleased to be included as a pioneer of the program. The Dunkley community looks forward to being able to play our part in the national transition to renewable energy, reducing our emissions while also driving down energy prices for households.”
The grant guidelines stipulate that the project should be completed by 31 March 2025. The federal government plans to install 400 community batteries, with 58 to be built in the first round.
To view the grant guidelines, visit business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/community-batteries-for-household-solar-stream-1