Perth, WA – Western Australia is significantly bolstering its energy storage infrastructure with the commencement of construction on 18 new community batteries across Perth and Bunbury. This AUD$25 million initiative, backed by both federal and state governments, aims to enhance grid reliability, manage the surge of rooftop solar, and ultimately help reduce household electricity bills. Western Power, the state-owned operator of WA’s electricity network, confirmed on June 16, 2026, that work has begun on these new systems, which are expected to be fully operational by mid-2027.
The 18 new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will collectively provide 6.6 megawatts (MW) of storage capacity. The deployment includes 13 low-voltage batteries strategically placed throughout Perth’s suburbs and five larger medium-voltage batteries in the regional city of Bunbury. These locations were chosen following consultations with local governments and residents, targeting areas with particularly high rooftop solar penetration.
Targeting Solar Saturation and Evening Peaks
The primary function of these community batteries is to absorb excess solar generation during daylight hours and then dispatch that stored electricity back to the grid during the evening peak demand period. This process is crucial for stabilising the network, especially as Western Australia continues its rapid uptake of rooftop solar. Each of the 13 Perth batteries is designed to connect approximately 130 households, while the five larger Bunbury sites will collectively serve around 3,600 households.
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, highlighted the benefits during the announcement in Coogee.
“These community batteries will help us make the most of the abundant solar generated during the day by storing and releasing it during the evening peak as the sun goes down,” Mr Wilson stated. “Together with more than 45,000 batteries that have been installed at WA homes since 1 July last year, and our state’s nation-leading deployment of large grid-scale batteries at Collie and Kwinana, these 18 community batteries will contribute to cutting network costs while enabling more renewable generation.”
This project follows the successful deployment of five earlier federal government community batteries in Perth, located in Coogee, Bayswater, Stratton, Kinross, and Port Kennedy.
Funding and Broader Context
The AUD$25 million project receives significant financial backing from the federal government, with AUD$9.34 million committed through the first round of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Community Battery program. The remaining funding is provided by the Western Australian state government.
Community batteries offer an alternative or complementary solution to individual home battery systems. For many households, particularly those in apartments or rentals, or those unable to afford a private system, community batteries provide access to stored renewable energy benefits without the upfront cost or installation complexities. They also contribute to grid stability more broadly by managing local network constraints. Homeowners interested in personal battery storage can explore options and potential rebates through guides like Unlock $3,700+ in Rebates: Your 2026 Guide to Australian Home Battery Systems.
This investment aligns with Australia’s broader energy transition, where distributed energy resources (DER) like rooftop solar and batteries are playing an increasingly critical role. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) noted in June 2026 that 600,000 homes now have batteries installed across the country, with grid-scale batteries more than tripling their daytime-to-evening energy shifting in the first quarter of the year.
Benefits for Western Australian Households
While direct savings will vary, participation in community battery schemes can provide several advantages:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Electricity Bills | By optimising the use of local solar generation, households connected to these batteries can draw less power from the grid during expensive peak evening hours, leading to lower energy costs. |
| Enhanced Grid Reliability | The batteries help manage voltage fluctuations and grid congestion caused by high solar penetration, improving overall network stability and reducing the risk of outages. |
| Increased Renewable Energy Uptake | By providing a storage solution for excess solar, community batteries enable more rooftop solar systems to be installed without overloading local infrastructure, facilitating a faster transition to renewables. |
| Accessibility | Offers an equitable pathway for all residents, including those without their own solar panels or the means to install a home battery, to benefit from renewable energy storage. |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces reliance on fossil fuel generators by shifting renewable energy use, contributing to lower carbon emissions and a cleaner energy future for Western Australia. |
The rollout of these 18 community batteries is a tangible step towards a more resilient and renewable energy future for Western Australia, demonstrating how targeted infrastructure investments can deliver widespread benefits to residents and the grid alike. As construction progresses, these systems will become vital components in managing the state’s energy needs and maximising the value of its abundant solar resources.
For homeowners considering how to best manage their energy, understanding the options from individual home batteries to participation in virtual power plants (VPPs) is key. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program continues to offer incentives for home battery installations, and while the Queensland state battery booster has closed, other state programs and federal rebates remain available across Australia. Further information on optimising home energy use can be found in guides like Smart Home Energy Systems: Slash Your 2026 Australian Electricity Bills by Up To 30%.