Some exciting news out of Adelaide: The first batteries in the ARENA Community Batteries project have been switched on – a big moment for Australia’s clean energy transition. Five battery energy storage systems (BESS) have been installed across Adelaide, powering up Aston Hills Shopping Centre, Athelstone Shopping Centre, and two Living Choice retirement villages.
These batteries offer a total storage capacity of 770kW/2061kWh, helping bring down power costs for the retirement village residents and shop tenants by storing excess solar energy and earning money while also supporting the electricity grid.
The rollout is just the start of a bigger project to install 39 batteries along Australia’s east coast by mid-2026.
At the heart of the project is the Hydro Tasmania Virtual Power Plant (VPP), managed by us at Momentum Energy.
A VPP is a network of energy assets that can be remotely controlled. They can include batteries, generators, or controllable loads like refrigeration systems. By pooling their capacity, these assets work together to help customers use energy more efficiently. They can also respond to help balance electricity supply and demand – something that’s super important as we transition to a more renewable-powered energy grid. And there are financial perks for participating, which makes investing in infrastructure like batteries a smarter choice for businesses.
“This is about giving organisations more control over their energy use,” said Momentum Energy Managing Director Lisa Chiba. “Our VPP helps customers buy and sell electricity at the right time, saving money and supporting the grid.”
This project is a great example of how working together can help bring smart energy solutions to life. Our teams here at Momentum Energy have worked closely with battery owner Active Utilities and installer YES Group to get things switched on quickly and efficiently. From contract signing in October last year, to the first batteries up and running in June, it’s the kind of teamwork and action we need to take to support the energy transition.
Mark Yates, CEO of YES Group, said, “Storage is essential to the energy transition. These batteries capture renewable energy when it’s abundant and discharge it when it’s needed most, which brings real benefits to energy users and the grid.”
Lisa Dowie, CEO of Active Utilities, added, “This is a proof of concept for embedded network renewable energy storage. It is a cost effective, intelligent and sustainable solution that strengthens communities and opens up opportunities across our national portfolio.”
The project received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the Community Battery Round 1 under ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program. Momentum Energy is coordinating the project on behalf of Hydro Tasmania.
The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government, and the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.