FAQs
FAQ
What are the benefits of a community battery?
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.
Why is TasNetworks installing community batteries?
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.
Where are the locations for the batteries and how did you choose these areas?
TasNetworks has carefully identified optimal locations for community battery installations through a comprehensive analysis, assessing infrastructure suitability, distribution network demand, land use, zoning requirements, and levels of solar power generation.
Community engagement sessions have been held with each proposed location to gather local feedback.
The sites currently progressing through council consultation and building approval processes include:
- Burnie (confirmed)
- Clarence (confirmed)
- Hobart (proposed)
- Launceston (proposed)
- Brighton (proposed)
- Kingborough (proposed)
- West Tamar (proposed)
- Glamorgan Spring Bay (proposed)
How many batteries are being installed as part of this program?
As part of this pilot program, TasNetworks will install up to eight community batteries across Tasmania. Two batteries are receiving funding from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Delivery – Election Commitments Stream 1 grant. The remaining six batteries are receiving funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under Community Battery Round 1 as part of ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program. |
Does TasNetworks have plans for more community batteries beyond this pilot?
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.
How are the community battery locations chosen?
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.
How big will the battery be?
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
Will they make noise?
All batteries installed by TasNetworks will comply with the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) noise guidelines. Noise is mainly generated during charging cycles and by air conditioning units that regulate the battery’s temperature to ensure safe and efficient operation.
TasNetworks has carefully considered community impacts when selecting battery locations, applying the same standards used for installing any network infrastructure.
What will they look like?
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.
How long will they take to install?
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.
How safe are community batteries?
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.
Will the batteries emit electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation?
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.
How will the battery reduce carbon emissions?
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.
How will graffiti be managed?
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 is a blackout in my street – can I use the power from the battery?
No, the battery will shut down during a blackout. This is a critical safety precaution to protect TasNetworks crews working on powerlines to restore electricity. Supplying power during an outage could send live current back into the network, posing a serious risk to workers repairing the fault.
What happens at the end of the trial?
At the end of the trial, TasNetworks will review data and community feedback to assess how effectively the community batteries have supported local energy needs.
If the trial demonstrates clear benefits – such as improved network performance, cost savings, and positive community outcomes – TasNetworks may consider installing more batteries in other areas to expand the program.
How can I keep up to date on the trial?
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, you can add your details to the link at the top of the main page: 'Follow Project'