FAQs

A community battery can:

- allow more rooftop solar and electric devices, such as electric vehicle chargers, to be connected to the electricity grid.

- strengthen the electricity grid, reducing the future need to limit (or curtail) solar exports and help customers maximise their solar investment.

- help share more renewables including solar within the local area.

- create a positive impact on wholesale electricity prices that could flow through to reduce electricity prices.

- help to regulate voltage on the network and improve network power quality in the local area.

- offer a flexible alternative to traditional poles and wires investment to help lower network costs.

TasNetworks is fully aligned with the Tasmanian Government's objective to reach a net-zero economy by 2050. We're actively constructing a state-of-the-art grid that maximizes the potential of renewable energy, including microgrids, solar panels, and community batteries. This empowers our customers with increased options for producing, utilising, and distributing energy according to their preferences.

Battery locations will be selected to best support existing solar inputs into the network, where it will assist in managing existing infrastructure demand. They are typically located in the community in open space such as parks or road reserve.  TasNetworks will engage with local councils and the community about the final location of each battery and will consider the surrounding environment and community amenity.

Eight community batteries will be deployed as part of the pilot project. We are discussing potential sites with the following councils:

- Burnie (confirmed)
- Clarence (confirmed)
- Hobart (proposed)
- Launceston (proposed)
- Brighton (proposed)
- Kingborough (proposed)
- West Tamar (proposed)
- Glamorgan Spring Bay (proposed)

As part of this pilot program, TasNetworks is looking to install eight community batteries.  

If the project is successful and can demonstrate benefits to the community and the network, TasNetworks will explore options for expanding the number of batteries across Tasmania.

TasNetworks considers several factors in determining an appropriate battery site including safety, accessibility, impact on the local community, environmental considerations, and the network constraints in the area.

Community batteries vary in size and design. They can consist of several modular units or a single box unit and in general fit within 4m (L) x 3m (W) x 2.6m (H). Community batteries can range in capacity between 0.1-5MW

All TasNetworks installed batteries comply with the Environmental Protection Authority’s noise guidelines. Noise is primarily produced during charging cycles and from air conditioning units that maintain ambient temperature for the battery.

Community impacts have been carefully considered to finalise battery site locations. We have taken the same approach as we do for constructing any network equipment. Residents who live within the vicinity of the batteries were consulted on noise levels prior to installation of the battery unit.

Note: example only - Image courtesy of:  Yarra Energy Foundation

Working with the council and the community the aim is to develop and wrap the battery in a meaningful visual treatment, appropriate to the history and culture of the area.

Physical installation of the battery is expected to take up to 3 weeks at each site. This involves some foundation works for the battery and cabling installation from the battery to existing TasNetworks infrastructure.

The battery will be manufactured and tested-off-site before being delivered and lifted into place onto the prepared foundation. The site will then be returned to its existing, or better, condition.  

After installation, testing and commissioning will be undertaken before the battery is put into service.

Some soil sampling will be done early on to help develop the foundation design. This work will be undertaken at our first two battery sites, in Howrah and Burnie, in October and November.

The first group of batteries are expected to be fully installed and operational by mid-2025.

Yes, they are safe. TasNetworks will work with our partners to deliver and maintain community batteries under the same unconditional commitment to safety as we do for any of our network assets. TasNetworks is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the community batteries. Electromagnetic field (EMF) levels will be within TasNetworks' existing network standards and guidelines recommended by Australia’s health authorities.

The batteries have remote monitoring capabilities and will be monitored by TasNetworks' 24/7 control room. If abnormal conditions are detected, the battery and power conversion equipment will disconnect to protect the local electrical network.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are present in any electrical appliance that is operating. They are strongest close to their source and diminish rapidly as you move further away. 

Each community battery will operate within the EMF levels recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the EMF general public exposure guideline limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Battery storage enables emissions reductions by storing renewable energy and making it available at times of peak demand reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Each battery will be wrapped in a meaningful visual artistic treatment, which has been shown to deter graffiti. TasNetworks will also monitor and clean graffiti in line with our existing asset management. 

Community members can report posters or graffiti online through: customer.enquiries@tasnetworks.com.au 

If there as a blackout on your street, the battery will shut down. This is a safety precaution for the TasNetworks team who will be working on the powerlines to restore your connection. We do not want to risk sending live current down the line and potentially harm those working to resolve the network issue.

After the trial, TasNetworks will analyse all the information and feedback gathered to understand how well the community batteries have worked in their communities. 

Depending on the trial’s results, more batteries may be installed in different areas if the trial’s results show clear benefits, both financially and other positives.

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