In a joint announcement on Friday by Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Renewables & Energy Minister, Dale Wakefield, the Territory Government revealed their plans to build a $30 million big battery. The battery will help stabilise the Darwin-Katherine grid and reduce the amount of gas burned as “spinning reserve” helping the territory work towards their target of 50% renewable electricity supply by 2030.

Also announced was a new Household and Business Battery Scheme (HBBS) that will deliver a $6,000 grant for households and businesses to install a battery storage unit of at least 7kWh and reduce the amount of power they need to purchase from the grid.

Gunner said in a statement “Our new $6000 solar and battery grants will see even more Territorians choose the sun and lower power prices – and create more jobs,”

“Doing whatever it takes to save lives from coronavirus means throwing the kitchen sink at saving jobs and preparing the Territory for the rebound. I’m backing Territorians, solar and lower prices to get it done – we have a bright future if we all stick together.”

The Battery Energy Store System (BESS) is expected to pay for itself in about five years.

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