Community Solar Battery roll-out Begins in East Blaxland

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment for a community solar battery in East Blaxland, with expressions of interest for providers opened earlier this week.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said it’s exciting to see the project start to roll out.

“Our community wants to do our part to reduce emissions and stop climate change, and people also want to have the benefits of cheaper power, so I’m thrilled to have one of the first community solar batteries right here in East Blaxland,” Ms Templeman said. 

“We know solar energy is some of the cleanest, cheapest energy available. One in three households have solar panels, but most of them don’t have battery storage. And that’s the data that has helped determine East Blaxland as a site, with a large number of solar panels, but low uptake of home batteries,” she said.

“The community battery will mean that homes with solar panels can store their solar energy for future use, and excess energy goes back into the grid to be used by the community.”

The Community Batteries for Household Solar program will enable the rollout of a pilot of 400 batteries in neighbourhoods across the country, with 58 batteries promised during the election campaign the first to be installed.

“The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, visited East Blaxland before the election meeting with local residents who want to make the most of solar power. 

“East Blaxland will have one of the first community batteries in the country and the benefits will be felt locally and nationwide,” Ms Templeman said.

“The battery will help drive down energy prices for local households and also help Australia move towards 82% renewables in the national electricity market by 2030.

“Blue Mountains’ residents are passionate about renewable energy and I’m proud to be part of a government that is taking real action to expand the renewable energy market.”

Organisations interested in applying can head to the Business Grants Hub website for more
information: www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/community-batteries-for-household-solar-stream-2

Applications close on 24 February 2023.