The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra's energy supply with the Development Application approved to deliver the grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.
The ACT Government's partnership with Eku Energy to develop Stream 1 of the Big Canberra Battery Project in Williamsdale will commence construction later this year.
The grid-scale battery will deliver 250MW of storage, support grid reliability and help to integrate greater amounts of renewable generation. Approximately 180-200 jobs will be created through this development, highlighting one of the many ways the ACT Government is enhancing our city's electricity reliability while supporting local employment.
The ACT Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites across the city as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project. The sites include:
- 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.
The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels which will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.
Two further batteries will be installed 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 3 medium sized neighbourhood-scale batteries in Casey, Dickson and Fadden. Selection of the battery operator will be made in late 2024 following a procurement process.
The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid, help the ACT grow its renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the Territory.
Battery storage technology is a critical component of our net-zero emissions future as we continue to lead the nation on climate action.
The ACT has delivered 100% renewable electricity since 2020, and initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable, and sustainable energy grid.
Quote attributable to Eku Energy CEO, Dan Burrows:
"The Big Canberra Battery represents a significant milestone for Eku Energy as it marks our 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.
"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."
