Wollongong City Council has taken another step toward its Net Zero community emissions by 2050 target after granting easements that will allow the installation and maintenance of Community Batteries in four new locations across the Local Government Area.
Community Batteries are installed at a central location within a local community and provide shared renewable energy storage for surrounding households. Surplus energy captured from renewable sources like rooftop solar panels is stored for use by multiple households at night or during peak periods.
Community batteries can also provide people without roof-top solar access to renewable energy, allowing people who rent or do not own their home to utilise a renewable energy source.
Council has liaised extensively with network provider Endeavour Energy, supporting a funding application through the Federal Government's Community Batteries for Solar program that will see the installation of 400 batteries around Australia.
This collaboration also helped pinpoint suitable land within the Wollongong Local Government Area to place the batteries where they will be of most benefit, with Council granting easements for access and maintenance.
This successful funding application saw the installation of the first tranche of community batteries, seven in Dapto and five in Warrawong launched on Thursday (20 March).
Funding for tranche two secured through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency will see a further 12 batteries installed across Wollongong.
On 17 March Wollongong Council resolved unanimously to grant easements over four sites on community land, including Kundle and Compton Parks Dapto, the Ribbonwood Centre, and Cawley Park Russell Vale, for the installation of new Community Batteries.
It's part of a broader rollout that will see 22 batteries installed across the Illawarra region.
The installation of Community Batteries aligns with multiple objectives of Council's Community Strategic Plan, which outlines an approach toward achieving net zero carbon emissions and working with partners to facilitate sustainable green industries.
The batteries will support storage of locally generated renewable energy contributing to Wollongong's emissions reduction target – Net Zero By 2050 – and the objectives of the Climate Change Mitigation Plan.
They can also contribute to lowering energy bills for local households in the Illawarra ensuring a just transition to Net Zero and help alleviate grid pressures in periods of high demand to reduce the need for costly network upgrades.
Wrapping the batteries with artwork of local Aboriginal artists also contributes to Council's Public Art Strategy, ensuring the sites add vibrancy to local communities.
"We'll continue working with various agencies to ensure our residents can access sources of renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint of their local community," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"We consulted extensively with residents in developing our Climate Change Mitigation Plan, and we know we have a community that is passionate about sustainability and access to renewable energy sources.
"It's what the installation of Community Batteries provides, and we'll continue working with organisations to provide resources to reduce emissions where they are most needed."
Residents can express their interest in signing up to the program via this online form: Expression of Interest | Endeavour Energy
