Electricity distributor Ausgrid has launched it largest-ever community battery at Cooranbong in New South Wales with funding from ARENA.
Ausgrid CEO Marc England said the Cooranbong Battery was the first of a number of larger batteries being launched by the business in its push to ensure the benefits of the energy transition were accessible to all electricity customers.
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“Whether you have solar on your roof or not, rent or own, or live in a house or apartment, you can access the community battery as though it was your own and enjoy the savings that come with it,” he 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.”
The Cooranbong Battery is the second installed in collaboration with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Community Batteries Funding Round 1.
The 5MW battery further expands Ausgrid’s Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) initiative, enabling significant savings for locals that sign up.
This groundbreaking program, currently offered in partnership with leading retailers Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, is designed to bring tangible benefits to a much wider segment of the community.
Related article: Ausgrid launches sixth community battery in Cammeray
Ten other community batteries have been launched within Beacon Hill, Bankstown, Bondi, Cabarita, Cameron Park, Cammeray, Narara, Warriewood, North Epping and Bexley North, with more planned in coming months.
ESaaS is also now available for customers near smaller pole-top community batteries in Adamstown, Bankstown, Blackwall, Canada Bay, Hurlstone Park, Kurnell, Lidcombe, Lindfield and Maitland.
