The recipients for the next phase of the Next Generation Energy Storage program have been announced, with four companies leading the future of renewable energy in the ACT.
After receiving a range of proposals from local and national businesses, four companies – ActewAGL Retail, Evergen, Solahart and Solarhub – have received grants to support the roll-out of solar battery storage in up to 5,000 Canberra homes and businesses, as part of the fourth round of the Next Generation Energy Storage program.
Homes and businesses who install a battery connected to a new or existing solar system under the program will receive support of up to $825 for each kilowatt of sustained peak output, or around $4000 off an average household system.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury, said the ACT was putting the climate first and realising real climate action to protect the planet for future generations.
“In Canberra we now have over 5MW of ‘smart’ battery storage supported under the program. This equates to just over 1,200 batteries sold across the ACT which can be used to support the electricity grid and help reduce Canberra’s vulnerability to peak energy demand shocks,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The installation of battery storage in homes across the Territory will form an important part of the transition towards 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 and net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest.
“The battery storage roll-out is also building Canberra’s reputation as a globally-recognised hub for battery storage innovation. Detailed data is being collected from all batteries installed under the program which will inform further research and industry development.”
This latest funding announcement comes as the Next Generation Energy Storage program itself has been nominated for a prestigious national prize – for ‘Renewable Energy Achievement’ in the ‘Cities Power Partnership’ program.
The Cities Power Partnership is Australia’s largest local government climate network, made up of over 100 councils from across the country, representing almost eleven million Australians.
The program was selected from a competitive field of entries from councils across Australia for the national awards, which recognise outstanding achievement by local governments in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, community engagement and climate advocacy.
