- The project is expected to provide at least 250 MW of storage capacity in its initial phase.
The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) government has committed to funding the development of the Big Canberra Battery project. The project is expected to provide at least 250 MW of storage capacity in its initial phase.
Although the ACT government did not disclose the proposed financing amount, it stated that the money will come from its 2022-2023 budget, which will be made public on August 2. Local media reports revealed that some AUD 850,000 would be allocated from the state.
The project is set to become one of the largest battery storage systems in the global south. It is planned to be delivered in three “streams.” The first stream will make an addition of 250 MW grid-connected capacity. Stream 2 will be targeted at adding batteries at 14 government sites in several cities. The third stage plans on installing medium-sized neighbourhood batteries.
After an Expression of Interest (EoI) was launched in December 2021, the first two streams will have tenders opened for them by the government in August.
The project will support the ACT government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. It earlier said the scheme is anticipated to put downward pressure on electricity prices.