What is a community battery?

• Energy storage: During the day, when solar panels generate more electricity than is needed the excess energy is stored in the community battery.
• Energy distribution: When energy demand is high, or solar generation is low (e.g., at night), the stored energy is distributed back to the community.
• Grid support: Community batteries help stabilise the electricity grid by managing energy supply and demand, helping to reduce the need for traditional grid upgrades.

• Enhanced solar utilisation: Allows more households to benefit from solar energy, even if they don't have their own solar panels.
• Cost savings: Could reduce electricity costs by storing cheap, excess solar energy and using it during peak demand times.
• Grid stability: Improves the reliability and quality of the electricity grid by balancing supply and demand.
• Environmental impact: Supports the transition to a clean energy future by maximising the use of renewable energy sources.

• TasNetworks: In Tasmania, community batteries are being installed as part of initiatives to support renewable energy and enhance grid stability.
• ARENA Funding: The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has funded projects to deploy community batteries across various regions of Australia.

Community batteries are a key component in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.