Community Batteries

We are currently engaging with local communities as we connect community batteries into the Low Voltage electricity distribution network across Queensland.

These batteries are allowing more solar energy to be sent into the grid, while the suns shining, and storing it locally for use when electricity demand is high.

Building on the lessons learnt and success of the Ipswich Neighbourhood Battery Trial, we are currently rolling out these small-scale batteries in a further ten Battery Neighbourhoods, as well as in other locations across the state.

Where are batteries being installed?

We've installed the batteries in Cairns North, Caloundra, Caboolture, Kallangur, Griffin, Coorparoo, Moorooka, Birkdale, and Pimpama. These were funded through the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Community Batteries for Household Solar.

To build on this, we are currently installing a further 69 community batteries with the support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Community Batteries Funding Round 1 under ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program.

These will create Battery Neighbourhoods around Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in regional Queensland, across Kingston, North Maclean and Jimboomba in Brisbane South, and across Bribie Island, Morayfield and Scarborough in Brisbane North.

These programs are being boosted by our investment in another 30 community-level batteries to create Battery Neighbourhoods in Energex's Caloundra, and Ergon Energy’s North Townsville network zones.

Check out the map to see the battery locations as the new sites are added.

Sharing in the benefits

By supporting the take up of rooftop solar the batteries are helping to put downward pressure on electricity costs. They are reducing the pressure on the electricity grid, playing a role managing minimum system load locally and, more broadly, helping to support the security and reliability of supply.

As part of the government programs, we’re also sharing the ‘battery benefits’ locally with the community through our Community Fund.

We are especially interested in disaster preparedness or other community resilience projects, or anything supporting the renewable energy transition including solar, battery storage, energy literacy and electrification.

If you apply, make sure you let us know you heard about the Community Fund through a ‘community battery promotion’.

Check to see if your community is eligible, and register for Community Fund updates.

Want to know more?

This is just one of the ways we are supporting the take up of rooftop solar.

You learn about the utility-scale batteries we're connecting to our networks across Queensland, and how batteries are becoming an essential tool for managing the renewable energy flowing into the electricity network.

You can also take a look at the frequently asked questions or the Council Introduction.

Or pop us an email to talkingenergy@energyq.com.au if you'd like to know more about a battery install in your community.