Locations released for 18 community batteries in Perth, Bunbury

Construction has officially commenced on 18 community batteries across Western Australia, spanning key metropolitan sites in Perth and regional hubs in Bunbury. This initiative, a cornerstone of the State Government’s PowerBank program, is designed to bolster grid stability and allow more residents to benefit from the state’s high density of rooftop solar installations without requiring individual household storage systems.

The rollout marks a critical phase in the decentralisation of the Western Australian energy network as coal-fired power stations approach retirement. These batteries function by soaking up excess solar energy generated during the day and discharging it during peak evening periods, effectively managing the technical challenges of ‘two-way’ energy flow that modern grids must now accommodate.

“The transition from centralised power generation to distributed community storage represents more than a technical upgrade; it is a fundamental re-architecting of the state’s energy sovereignty and resilience.”

Amidst the infrastructure deployment, climate and conservation advocates have increased pressure on the government to establish a legislated target for renewable energy uptake. While the batteries provide a practical solution for current grid constraints, proponents argue that a legally binding framework is necessary to ensure long-term accountability and to guarantee the state meets its net-zero obligations in a timely manner.