Distributed Storage

The federal government’s plan to deploy 400 community batteries across the nation to soak up excess solar generated on neighbourhood rooftops has reached the Australian Capital Territory with sites for three new battery energy storage systems unveiled.

Energy generating and retailing giant AGL and joint venture partner Someva Renewables have committed to provide local councils and community organisations with “tens of millions” of dollars in funding if their proposed 1.5 GW Pottinger Energy Park planned for the New South Wales Riverina region proceeds.

New Zealand battery technology company ArcActive is planning to establish a manufacturing plant in Australia within 18 months that will be capable of producing 30,000 lead acid-based residential energy storage systems per year.

Ireland-headquartered smart energy company GridBeyond plans to expand its operations in “key market” Australia as part of a broader global growth strategy after securing more than $86 million in new funding.

Australian soccer powerhouse Melbourne City FC has teamed with energy major Origin to install a 40 kW rooftop solar system and 13.5 kW battery energy storage system that will help power its newly opened City Football Academy in the Victorian capital.

Endeavour Energy has activated the first community battery on its network in the New South Wales South Coast as part of a broader program the electricity distributor says will support a higher uptake of renewables and allow more households to access the benefits of rooftop solar.

Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a notable shift with new data from market analyst Sunwiz showing a record surge in utility-scale battery energy storage projects over 10 MWh in 2023 while residential and commercial installations also reached new highs.

The Ballarat Energy Network is on track to decentralise the regional city’s electricity network with a long-term view to supply the Victorian community’s 120,000 residents with 100% renewable energy generated by local distributed energy resources.

Queensland-based clean tech company Graphene Manufacturing Group has hit a home run toward commercial product roll-out after pocketing a $2 million grant to spearhead the development of an automated assembly plant in the state capital.

Australian miner Graphinex’s ambition to establish an integrated graphite mining and battery anode manufacturing business in Queensland has attracted the support of Japanese oil and gas giant Idemitsu Kosan.