The Queensland government has unveiled a $10 million initiative that will supply the neighbourhood with renewable batteries.
A total of 35 neighbourhood batteries will be delivered across Ipswich in collaboration between publicly owned Energex and retailer Origin.
The project, which is a part of the Palaszczuk Government’s 10-year Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, will explore sustainable models to enable the benefits of low-voltage connected batteries to be shared between customers, retailers, and the distribution network.
Minister of Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni stated that neighbourhood batteries provide numerous benefits to communities such as increased energy reliability, lower energy costs, and a cleaner energy supply.
“These neighbourhood batteries will store cheap excess energy generated by the equivalent of nearly 600 rooftop solar systems during the day,” Minister de Brenni said.
The minister also explained that by manufacturing these batteries in Southeast Queensland at Pixii in Darra and EcoJoule in Loganholme, the government is also helping local businesses advance.
“While the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan has set a target of 70% renewable energy by 2032, these neighbourhood batteries will also help more households play a role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment,” he said.
Assistant Minister for the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the implementation will begin in Goodna, Booval, and Redbank Plains.
“Following a successful trial at Energex’s Raceview Depot, we’ll see the first of these neighbourhood batteries being installed in the coming weeks, with 35 rolled out across the suburbs and streets of Ipswich,” McCallum said.
Meanwhile, the Palaszczuk government’s goal for more affordable, secure, and sustainable energy, according to Ipswich member Jennifer Howard, was made possible by putting people before profits.
“Because Queenslanders kept their energy assets in public hands, these neighbourhood batteries not only help our local communities but they are owned by them,” she said.
Origin’s Anthony Lucas, Executive General Manager of Future Energy, said Origin’s desire to build smart, connected, low-carbon solutions, such as neighbourhood batteries, is crucial to the company’s goal to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions.
