Queensland Introduces Neighbourhood Batteries for Renewable Energy Revolution

Partnership between Energex and Origin to Install 35 Neighbourhood Batteries in Ipswich

Queensland is set to lead the renewable energy revolution with the introduction of neighbourhood batteries in a $10 million initiative. Energex and Origin have partnered to install 35 neighbourhood batteries across Ipswich as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. The batteries are set to offer numerous benefits to communities, including increased energy reliability, reduced energy costs, and a cleaner energy supply. The neighbourhood batteries will store excess energy generated by nearly 600 rooftop solar systems during the day and deploy it during peak evening periods to lower household energy bills.

The initiative will also enable local businesses to power ahead by manufacturing the batteries in Southeast Queensland at Pixii in Darra and EcoJoule in Loganholme. The project is part of the Queensland Government's target of 70% renewable energy by 2032, and the batteries will help more households reduce emissions and protect the environment. The rollout will begin in Goodna, Booval, and Redbank Plains, following a successful trial at Energex's Raceview Depot.

The batteries will be installed, owned, and maintained by Energex and operated by Origin in the wholesale energy market. They will be made up of up to 30 power pole-mounted and five ground-level equivalent batteries connected to the low voltage network. They will explore sustainable models to enable the benefits of low voltage connected batteries to be shared between customers, retailers, and the distribution network. The batteries will complement the large-scale network-connected batteries being rolled out across the Ergon Energy network in regional Queensland. The Australian Energy Regulator has granted approval for the neighbourhood batteries.