Ausgrid, the Australia-based electricity distributor, has launched its largest ever community battery at Cooranbong in collaboration with Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), with 5MW in capacity.
It is the second battery launched under this scheme for its first funding round and is aimed at helping local citizens who sign up save money via the firm’s energy storage as a service (ESaaS) initiative.
ESaaS is a programme offered currently in partnership with the retailers Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia and can help customers save on their bills regardless of whether they have solar panels or not. The company says that thousands could benefit.
Marc England, CEO of Ausgrid, said, “At half the cost of a home battery, community batteries can offer cheaper bills for the local community, a more effective management of the local network and support more renewables into the grid.”
“By strategically placing energy storage at the community level, the batteries can support a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy future for all Australians,” said Leon Chanter, director of business development and transactions, ARENA.
Andrew Cleland, general manager of technology and customer enablement, Origin Energy, said, “Community batteries provide people with tangible savings on their electricity bills, without requiring them to make any upfront investment. We encourage local households to register their interest in this program to find out how accessing a community battery can help them save money, harness more renewable energy and participate in the energy transition.
Image: The first community battery that was launched in Cooranbong. Credit: Ausgrid.
