The latest interim update for the Climate Council’s Momentum Monitor has revealed a powerful increase in the use of battery systems by Australians, up by 100,000 or almost 30% since 2023.
“Batteries are having their moment,” Climate Council fellow and energy expert Andrew Stock said.
“Latest numbers from the Climate Council's Momentum Monitor found the number of household battery systems have grown by almost a third since 2023.
“The Australian Energy Market Operator's findings that batteries powered Australians 91% more in the last quarter compared to the same time in 2023 demonstrate their impressive growth over the last twelve months.”
Rooftop solar drives battery uptake
More than 3.6 million Australians already have solar panel systems at home, meaning almost 1 in 3 households are leveraging solar power to reduce their energy uptake from the grid.
Grid-scale battery capacity has also increased drastically, rising 50% since this time last year as State and Federal governments recognise the need for large-scale energy storage.
The batteries are already functioning as back-up power sources during periods of high demand as well as shock absorbers during periods of high energy production, making for a more secure energy grid.
"As the closure date for coal-fired power stations inches closer, there's an urgent need to invest in the lowest cost, fastest replacement – renewable energy from wind and solar paired with storage, like batteries, to provide reliable renewable power 24/7,” Stock argued.
“Renewable electricity generation in the main national grid is hitting record highs.
“Any excess solar and wind energy we can soak up will keep helping renewables power our homes and businesses around the clock, and see more Australians cash in on the benefits by reducing our reliance on grid power during the evening when electricity prices are more expensive."