Australia s energy storage subsidy trap

Why are Australia's home energy storage systems so expensive?

Soaring power bills and plunging incentives for excess solar power sent to the grid are pushing more Australian households into installing home energy storage. Yet these battery systems are still very expensive and don't stack up for many, leading to calls for federal subsidies and agitation from the federal Greens ahead of an election.

How many energy storage projects are there in Australia?

This is the first time Australian storage projects have broken the billion-dollar barrier in a single quarter. These 6 energy storage projects will add 3,802 MWh to Australia’s storage capacity. In Q2 2023, the report also showed: 4 storage projects reached the final commissioning stage. Some notable big battery projects in Australia include:

Does Australia have a big energy storage capacity?

Australia has ramped up its behind-the-meter energy storage capacity. Total household deployments surpassing the 1GWh mark for the first time last year.

Why is Australia delivering the Australian made battery plan?

“The Government recognises the pivotal role that cheap, widely available energy storage will need to play in the transition to renewable power. That’s why the Government is delivering the Australian Made Battery Plan, spearheaded by the development of Australia’s first National Battery Strategy.

Does Australia need multiple energy storage technologies?

National science agency CSIRO has said Australia needs multiple energy storage technologies at massive scale to achieve its transition.

Should wa subsidise household batteries?

(ABC News: Kenith Png) WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby indicated the state government was looking at whether it should subsidise household batteries, but stopped short of making a commitment. Mr Whitby said batteries were still relatively expensive, and would be unaffordable for many people even with the subsidies.