The Turnbull Government is providing $3.3 million funding to support the $6.7 million Alkimos Beach residential storage trial which combines community-scale battery energy storage and solar, and could save participants 15 per cent or more on their electricity bills.
The residents taking part in the trial will get to experience “virtual” energy storage via a 1.1 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system connected to the electricity grid. The battery storage system is housed in two shipping containers instead of batteries being installed in homes.
“The trial will help advance efficient, cost effective, residential energy solutions and infrastructure,” Minister Hunt said.
“Australia already has the highest per capita rate of household solar in the world, with more than 2.4 million households, small businesses and community organisations installing rooftop solar and solar hot water systems.”
“The Turnbull Government is investing in emerging battery storage technologies, which will be equally popular with urban Australians looking to shift to clean energy and reduce energy costs.”
“Over the next 15 years, it is predicted that Australia’s population will reach 30 million with growth expected to occur in and around the nation’s capital cities and the populations of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth likely to double by 2050.”
“The Turnbull Government’s investment in projects like the Alkimos Beach trial reflects the significant role residential solar and storage is destined to play in our rapidly increasing urban landscape and as part of the nation’s future energy mix.”
Minister Hunt and Minister Porter today joined WA Minister for Energy Mike Nahan, ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht and Synergy CEO Jason Waters in Alkimos Beach, Western Australia, to announce the start of the innovative residential battery storage trial.
Minister Porter said he was pleased that Alkimos Beach, a suburb in his federal electorate of Pearce, has been chosen as the site for this groundbreaking trial.
“Alkimos Beach residents will benefit by being able to manage and possibly reduce their energy bills, become more energy efficient, and contribute to community sustainability,” Minister Porter said.
“The trial supports the Turnbull Government’s vision for creating environmentally conscious and sustainable communities.”
“The scale of the trial is the first of its kind in Australia, utilising energy storage technology at the residential community level.”
The trial is scheduled to run from 2016 to 2020.
(ENDS)