THE HON CHRIS BOWEN MP

Minister for Climate Change and Energy

Member for McMahon

PETA MURPHY MP

Member for Dunkley

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Dunkley welcomes community battery rollout

The Albanese Government is delivering on an election commitment to install a community battery in Carrum Downs, meaning more affordable and secure solar power to locals.

The Community Batteries for Household Solar program will enable the rollout 400 batteries in neighbourhoods across the country to store affordable solar energy for use during peak times, and to share excess power with other households in their area.

Announcing the grant guidelines for the first 58 batteries, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said he was excited about the program’s potential benefits for Australians.

“One in every three Australian households have solar panels – the highest rate in the world – but far fewer have batteries to store their energy for later use”, Minister Bowen said.

“Community batteries can do this while also allowing stored energy to be shared with others who can’t install rooftop solar.

“These community batteries will not only benefit households with solar panels, but will help lower electricity bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid for the broader community.”

Local Federal Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy welcomed Minister Bowen’s announcement that Carrum Downs will be one of the first 58 communities to receive a battery under the Commonwealth program.

“Our local community prides itself on our use of renewable energy and we are pleased to be included as a pioneer of the program,” Ms Murphy said.

“The Dunkley community looks forward to being able to play our part in the national transition to renewable energy, reducing our emissions while also driving down energy prices for households.”

The battery rollout will help Australia move towards 82% renewables in the National Electricity Market by 2030.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will develop a program to deliver the remaining 342 batteries following a stakeholder consultation process.

Releasing the guidelines in advance allows communities and industry to develop high-quality applications that demonstrate benefits for communities and value for money.

Applications for the first 58 community batteries will open on 30 January 2023.

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Media contacts:

Minister Bowen’s office – [email protected]
Peta Murphy’s office – Lauren Johnson 0423 322 305