Hey, energy enthusiasts! Data Geek Dan here with an exciting update straight from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). If you’re into numbers and renewable energy like I am, you’re going to love this!
On July 1, 2024, ARENA conditionally approved up to AUD 143 million to support the rollout of up to 370 community batteries across Australia. This initiative, part of the Community Battery Funding Round 1, is set to revolutionise our local energy grids and make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for everyone.
These community batteries are not just big boxes storing energy; they are game-changers. They’ll help alleviate local network constraints, expand rooftop solar capacity, reduce emissions, and lower electricity costs for a variety of energy consumers including households, schools, hospitals, and more.
Let’s break it down: community batteries store excess renewable energy, which can be used later when demand is high or when renewable generation is low. This improves energy resilience and reliability while reducing overall costs. Imagine a neighbourhood where every home has solar panels, and any excess energy generated during the day is stored in a local community battery. At night, this stored energy can be used to power homes, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller summed it up nicely: “These batteries will enhance energy resilience, reliability, and sustainability while bringing down energy costs for consumers and businesses.”
Australia is already a global leader in rooftop solar. In 2023 alone, Australian homes added 3.1 GW of new rooftop solar capacity. This initiative builds on that success by ensuring that the energy generated can be stored and used efficiently, reducing waste and maximising savings.
ARENA plans to launch a second round of community battery funding in late 2024, with at least AUD 28 million allocated. This ongoing support highlights the commitment to expanding Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure and making clean energy accessible to more communities.
If you’re in a community that could benefit from a community battery, keep an eye on ARENA’s announcements for the next funding round. And for those already benefiting from rooftop solar, this could be your chance to take it to the next level.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from your friendly neighbourhood Data Geek, and remember, in the world of energy, data is power!
Source article: https://esdnews.com.au/arena-funds-national-community-battery-roll-out/
