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
- installation of behind-the-meter batteries at nine government sites.
The large-scale battery storage system will deliver 250 megawatts (MW) of power, store renewable energy and support grid reliability. This is enough energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods.
Behind-the-meter batteries will be installed to help power essential services across nine government sites. The sites include:
- Belconnen Parks Depot
- Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
- Allara Depot
- Kambah Depot
- Ron Reynolds Centre
- Chifley Community Hub
- Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
- Cotter Depot
- Greenway Ambulance Station.
The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels which will help power the sites. Batteries will reduce government spending on electricity during peak electricity consumption times.
Two further batteries will be installed at Mt Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.
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.
What we’ve done
We held a workshop with industry and the Australian National University to explore ideas about how the Big Canberra Battery will work.
The workshop received 42 submissions from key stakeholders and industry. This process showed strong support for a Big Canberra Battery.
We modelled different electricity market scenarios and are confident that the investment will deliver a positive financial agreement.
You can read more in the Big Canberra battery co-design workshop report 2021 [PDF 2.6 MB].
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.