Big Canberra Battery
Battery storage will play an increasing role in Canberra’s electricity grid as we move towards electrifying our city and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Wind and solar energy make electricity that large-scale batteries can store. Batteries help support the electricity grid when the sun and wind can’t.
About the project
The Big Canberra Battery project will deliver an ecosystem of batteries across the ACT to ensure that our electricity grid remains stable.
The Big Canberra Battery project includes the installation of:
- a large-scale battery energy storage system in Williamsdale
- behind-the-meter batteries at select government sites.
The large-scale battery storage system will provide at least 250 megawatts (MW) of power. This is enough energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. This stored energy will be used to support our electricity grid.
The behind-the-meter batteries will be used to help power essential services such as schools and depots. This includes the largest behind-the-meter batteries installed in the ACT so far. Behind-the-meter batteries will support individual sites.
The Big Canberra Battery project has also considered the role of neighbourhood-scale batteries in the ACT’s battery ecosystem.
How big batteries work
Big batteries are also known as large-scale batteries. They work by storing surplus electricity when there’s less demand for it. The batteries can then distribute the stored electricity when it’s needed. This is often in the early evenings when demand peaks and the sun is no longer shining.
Large-scale batteries can power thousands of homes for hours or days, depending on the size.
Behind-the-meter batteries store excess solar energy that a site's solar panels produce. This energy can be saved to use when the sun isn't shining, reducing the site's electricity bills.
Who it will help
The Big Canberra Battery project will support a more reliable electricity supply for the ACT.
Energy demand can rise and fall throughout the day. Having access to stored electricity can help during peak times.
In addition to supporting our energy supply, the Big Canberra Battery project will also help us to:
- reduce reliance on fossil fuels
- create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable city
- secure a reliable and affordable electricity system
- help Canberra become a net-zero emissions city
- increase local employment in the renewable energy sector
- generate revenue for the ACT.
How the project will work
We worked with industry and the Australian National University to explore ideas about how the Big Canberra Battery will work.
This included a workshop with key stakeholders and an invitation for industry to submit responses. We received 42 submissions from industry. This process showed strong support for a Big Canberra Battery.
You can read more in the Big Canberra battery co-design workshop report 2021 [PDF 2.6MB].
Keep up to date
Register your interest to receive updates on the Big Canberra Battery project.
Contact us
Big Canberra Battery team
Email: batterystorage@act.gov.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.