The large-scale 250 megawatts (MW) battery will store enough renewable energy to power one-third of the city of Canberra for two hours during peak demand, helping to provide long-term energy security for the region.
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What is the Big Canberra battery project?
The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid. It will help grow the ACT's renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory. Building a cleaner future
Does Canberra have battery storage?
Battery storage for residential solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Australia – including in Canberra, ACT. If you're a Canberra resident looking to install a battery storage system for your home, what are the main things that you need to consider?
The large-scale battery storage system will deliver 250 megawatts (MW) of power, store renewable energy and support grid reliability. This is enough energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. Behind-the-meter batteries will be installed to help power essential services across nine government sites.
The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra's peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours. The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.
Battery storage will play an increasing role in Canberra's electricity grid as we move towards electrifying our city and achieving net zero emissions by 2045. Wind and solar energy make electricity that large-scale batteries can store. Batteries help support the electricity grid when the sun and wind can't.
Should you buy a battery system in Canberra?
If you can afford it and the economics of the system pan out, you may end up having a system installed as soon as you find a good deal. Canberra is home to one of the most ambitious battery incentive programs in the country. The program is called NextGen, and you can read more about how it works here.