Community batteries are increasing
Around Australia, there is much interest in community batteries, and an increasing number of examples. Almost all are ‘trials’ of different technical and administrative solutions, funded either by the government or energy network operators. Take a look at the following examples:
A mix of battery storage is required
There is no doubt that batteries are a key component of the future, enabling cheap solar energy generated in the daytime to be distributed to users at other times. Almost certainly the country will need a mixture of large centralised storage, community scale batteries and individual household batteries.
Batteries are more expensive than other options
Although battery costs are falling, they are still more expensive than rooftop solar, some options for moving electrical loads to the daytime and many ways to reduce energy usage. It therefore makes sense to explore how much we can achieve through these cheaper options that can be implemented more quickly. This will not be the only change to our energy consumption patterns, since the gradual uptake of electric cars is already having an impact, and the number of household batteries is growing and will receive a boost from government support towards the end of 2024.
Learning about future storage requirements
So, here in Bouddi, we know that we will want to increase energy storage, but we do not yet know how much we will need and whether a community battery is a better option than individual household batteries. Our current work is helping us to determine what overall storage capacity we might require, however evolving tariff structures make it extremely difficult to examine future viability.
A community battery provides electricity to multiple households, storing excess solar power when it is not needed and then feeding the electricity back to our households when we need it. It is usually cheaper to buy a single large battery than the equivalent capacity of smaller household batteries. Through sharing one battery amongst many households, the system is often more efficient and cost effective.
Renewable energy supplies from the sun and wind often exceed demand, so a battery enables us to store this excess energy to use at a later time. In this way we can make the most of these renewable energy resources.
Yes there are already Federal and State Government supported pilots and projects successfully working around Australia, with more under development.
Take a look at the following examples:
Yes, we are working on a system that will enable households to sell their excess solar electricity to others in the community that currently do not have rooftop solar PV. It is likely that we will run a trial in 2024 to examine whether this is a viable option.
