ARENA Funds 281 MWh Community Battery Storage Expansion

• ARENA's AUD 143 million funding for 370 community batteries in Australia will boost solar capacity, cut emissions, and slash electricity costs. Join the energy revolution now!

ARENA has approved up to AUD 143 million in funding for up to 370 community batteries in Australia, with a combined capacity of up to 281 MWh. The batteries will help address local network constraints, expand rooftop solar capacity, reduce emissions, and lower electricity costs. ARENA is providing up to AUD 0.51 per Wh in grant funding towards the average cost of AUD 1.28 per Wh.

The funding is part of Australia's efforts to deploy 400 community batteries, with AUD 171 million allocated to ARENA for at least 342 batteries. A second round of funding of at least AUD 28 million is expected to open in late 2024. Specific locations for the batteries will be determined through community consultation, planning approvals, and commercial agreements.

How will ARENA's funding for community batteries impact Australia's solar industry?

• The funding for community batteries will help accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar capacity in Australia by addressing local network constraints and providing a more reliable and efficient way to store and distribute solar energy.
  
• By reducing emissions and lowering electricity costs, the community batteries will make solar energy more accessible and affordable for households and businesses across the country.
  
• The deployment of 370 community batteries with a combined capacity of 281 MWh will significantly contribute to Australia's renewable energy goals and help transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
  
• The grant funding provided by ARENA of up to AUD 0.51 per Wh will help offset the average cost of AUD 1.28 per Wh, making the installation of community batteries more financially viable for communities and energy providers.
• The second round of funding expected in late 2024 will further support the deployment of community batteries and continue to drive innovation and investment in Australia's solar industry.