Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound yesterday joined Endeavour Energy chiefs to switch on two community batteries in the region.
One is a large battery wrapped in Indigenous art at Blair Athol, while the second one is a smaller unit mounted to an electricity pole in Macquarie Fields.
Together they will enable 140 local residents to benefit from renewable energy, whether or not they have solar, own their own house, rent or live in an apartment.
Endeavour Energy general manager of future grid and asset management Colin Crisafulli said he was delighted to open the program to local residents, offering new ways to use, store and benefit from solar energy, while saving on household energy bills and decreasing household emissions.
“We’re proud to be rolling out one of the most significant community battery programs in NSW and are calling on local residents to get involved and actively participate in the energy transition by making the most of this shared battery solution,’’ he said.
“In addition to driving down costs, the Blair Athol community battery is adorned with an artwork titled Country tells our Story, and created byNgemba elder Aunty Jenny Shillingsworth.
“It’s a stunning piece of community art and is a lasting legacy for all to enjoy.’’
Mayor Darcy Lound welcomed the arrival of two community batteries in the Campbelltown local government area.
“We’re excited to see the Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields community batteries switched on and ready to support our local community,’’ he said.
“These community batteries are an important part of ongoing efforts to support sustainability initiatives in Campbelltown and reflect our commitment to exploring practical environmental solutions.’’
The Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields community batteries are part of Endeavour Energy’s program of 10 such batteries being delivered across Bargo, Cambewarra, East Bowral, Hammondville and other parts of the region.
An additional 76 community batteries are being rolled out in partnership with the Federal Government across 33 suburbs in Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra.
Origin Energy will provide the platform for customers to participate in the battery trial and will also orchestrate the energy stored in the battery, including dispatch to the wholesale market, working with Endeavour Energy to support electricity demand management.
Residents living within the Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields catchment areas are invited to register their interest now at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/communitybatteries or by phoning Endeavour Energy on 133 003. Further information on the community battery and trial location is available on the Endeavour Energy website.
How long will they provide electricity for 140 homes in a prolonged power outage?