Big Canberra Battery – Williamsdale BESS

Funding: $300 million +

Big batteries work by storing surplus electricity when there’s less demand for it. The batteries can then distribute the stored electricity when it’s needed. This is often in the early evenings when demand peaks and the sun is no longer shining.

The large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) will provide at least 250 megawatts (MW) of power. This is enough energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. This stored energy will be used to support our electricity grid.

Behind-the-meter batteries store excess solar energy that a site's solar panels produce. This energy can be saved to use when the sun isn't shining, reducing the site's electricity bills.

The Big Canberra Battery project has also considered the role of neighbourhood-scale batteries in the ACT’s battery ecosystem.

Project benefits

• reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable city
• secure a reliable and affordable electricity system
• help Canberra become a net-zero emissions city
• increase local employment in the renewable energy sector
• generate revenue for the ACT.

Find out more

Visit the Climate Choices website for more information.

Contact us

Contact us at: batterystorage@act.gov.au