Released 07/08/2019
The ACT renewable energy industry received a boost today with the announcement of the grant recipients for the next phase of the Next Generation Energy Storage program – a program that is receiving national recognition.
After receiving a range of proposals from local and national businesses, four companies—ActewAGL Retail, Evergen, Solahart and Solarhub—have received grants to support the roll-out of solar battery storage in up to 5,000 Canberra homes and businesses, as part of the fourth round of the Next Generation Energy Storage program.
Homes and businesses who install a battery under the program connected to a new or existing solar system will receive support of up to $825 for each kilowatt (kW) of sustained peak output, or around $4000 off an average household system.
"The ACT are proud climate leaders. We're putting the climate first and realising real climate action, here and now, to protect our planet for future generations," Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said today.
"In Canberra we now have over 5 megawatts of "smart" battery storage supported under the program. This equates to just over 1,200 batteries sold across the ACT which can be used to support the electricity grid and help reduce Canberra's vulnerability to peak energy demand shocks.
"The installation of battery-storage in homes across the Territory will form an important part of the transition towards 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 and net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest.
"The battery storage roll-out is also building Canberra's reputation as a globally-recognised hub for battery storage innovation. Detailed data is being collected from all batteries installed under the program which will inform further research and industry development," Minister Rattenbury added.
The Next Generation Energy storage program—recognised on the national stage
This latest funding announcement comes as the Next Generation Energy Storage program itself has been nominated for a prestigious national prize— for 'Renewable Energy Achievement' in the 'Cities Power Partnership' program.
The Cities Power Partnership is Australia's largest local government climate network, made up over 100 councils from across the country, representing almost 11 million Australians.
The program was selected from a competitive field of entries from councils across Australia for the national awards, which recognise outstanding achievement by local governments in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, community engagement and climate advocacy.
David Craven, Director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated the ACT Government for making the final shortlist for the awards, saying that the range and quality of entries showed the extent to which local governments are becoming a vital part of Australia's climate solution.
"Local champions such as the ACT are stepping up to the climate challenge in the face of continuing Federal climate inaction. It's time to celebrate these unsung climate heroes in local government, who are helping their communities to drive down local greenhouse gas pollution."
Statement ends
Media contacts
Minister Rattenbury will be made available for interview tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12:30pm at Handlebars Café, Forrest Park, Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo. Audio will be made available on request via Lisa Wills, on 0481 035 764 or lisa.wills@act.gov.au.
For interviews with any of the listed grant recipients, please contact Christopher Clarke at the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development directorate on 6207 1587 or via EPSDDMedia@act.gov.au.For interviews with representatives from the Cities Power Partnership, please contact Victoria Frantin at the program on 0487 003 872 or via victoria@climatecouncil.org.au.
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Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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