Port Kennedy to benefit from $500k Federal grant to install community battery

A Federal grant will fund a community battery in Port Kennedy to kick off an environmental program promised by the Government earlier this year.

The Rockingham suburb was named in the first round of grant funding announced on Tuesday, as part of the new Community Batteries program.

Western Power will receive $500,000 to install the 400kW community battery in the neighbourhood, in a bid to share leftover solar energy and reduce household electrical bills.

Brand MHR and Resources Minister Madeleine King said the initiative will be a game changer within the local community.

“The installation of the community battery will enable the storage of affordable solar energy for use during peak times, and to share excess power with other households in the area,” she said.

Port Kennedy was announced as one of 58 communities to receive the battery in February, with a total of 400 expected to be rolled out across Australia.

At the time, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he was excited about the program’s potential benefits for Australians.

“One in every three Australian households have solar panels — the highest rate in the world — but far fewer have batteries to store their energy for later use,” he said.

“Community batteries can do this while also allowing stored energy to be shared with others who can’t install rooftop solar.

“These community batteries will not only benefit households with solar panels but will help lower electricity bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid for the broader community.”

The latest announcement comes after the Albanese Government announced a $1.6 billion investment into energy-saving upgrades for homes, businesses, and social housing in the Federal Budget.

West Australian concession card holders will also be able to claim up to $350 of targeted electricity bill relief, in addition to the $400 discount provided by the State Government.

The community battery rollout will help Australia move towards 82 per cent renewables in the National Electricity Market by 2030.