The ACT Government has approved the development application for a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale, as part of efforts to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.
Stream 1 of the Big Canberra Battery Project in Williamsdale will commence construction in late 2024, supported by a partnership between the ACT Government and Eku Energy.
The grid-scale battery is expected to deliver 250MW of storage, support grid reliability and help to integrate greater amounts of renewable generation. The ACT Government also said that approximately 180–200 jobs will be created through this development.
As part of its work on Stream 2 of the project, the ACT Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites across the city. The sites include:
- Belconnen Parks Depot
- Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
- Allara Depot
- Kambah Depot
- Ron Reynolds Centre
- Chifley Community Hub
- Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
- Cotter Depot
- Greenway Ambulance Station.
The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels which will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.
A further two batteries will be installed at Mt Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.
The ACT Government has also partnered with the Federal Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program to install three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries in Casey, Dickson and Fadden. Selection of the battery operator will be made in late 2024 following a procurement process.
According to the ACT Government, the Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid, help the ACT grow its renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.
Eku Energy CEO, Dan Burrows, said that the Big Canberra Battery represents a significant milestone for Eku Energy as it marks its first GWh of projects in delivery in Australia.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with the ACT Government to deliver the development of the first stream of the Big Canberra Battery,” Mr Burrows said.
“The approval of the Development Application is an important milestone as we move towards construction commencement in 2024.
“This battery will provide safe, secure and reliable energy to Canberrans and we are thrilled to be supporting the ACT Government’s commitment towards achieving net zero emissions in the Territory by 2045.”
Featured image: Ray Pemberton/shutterstock.com
