A grid-scale battery project in Williamsdale has been approved, marking a significant step towards Canberra securing its energy future.
The project, a joint effort between the ACT Government and Eku Energy to develop Stream 1 of the Big Canberra Battery Project, will deliver an impressive 250 megawatts (MW) of storage capacity. This initiative supports grid reliability and enables the integration of greater amounts of renewable generation.
Eku Energy CEO Dan Burrows said the Big Canberra Battery represents a significant milestone for Eku Energy as it marks the company’s first GWh of projects in delivery in Australia.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with the ACT Government to deliver the development of the first stream of the Big Canberra Battery,” Burrows said.
“The approval of the Development Application is an important milestone as we move towards construction commencement in 2024.
“This battery will provide safe, secure and reliable energy to Canberrans and we are thrilled to be supporting the ACT Government’s commitment towards achieving net zero emissions in the Territory by 2045.”
The project’s construction, set to commence later this year, is expected to create approximately 180-200 jobs, highlighting the ACT Government’s commitment to enhancing the city’s electricity reliability while supporting local employment.
In addition to the Williamsdale battery, the government has finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites across the city as part of Stream 2 of the project, including Belconnen Parks, Depot Gungahlin Family and Child Centre, Allara Depot, Kambah Depot, Ron Reynolds Centre, Chifley Community Hub, Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, Cotter Depot, Greenway Ambulance Station.
These sites, including depots, community hubs, and a bush healing farm, will capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels, helping to power the facilities and reduce government spending on electricity while benefitting the broader network during peak consumption times.
Two further batteries are slated for installation at Mt Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.
The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program to install three medium-sized neighborhood-scale batteries in Casey, Dickson, and Fadden. The selection of the battery operator is expected to be made in late 2024 following a procurement process.
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