Community Battery Update to Narrabri Shire Council

Thankyou for the opportunity to speak tonight to Council's resolution to support the provision of the licence agreement to Geni.Energy for the Narrabri Community Battery.

Geni.Energy is one of only two not-for-profits in the nation to be awarded federal funding in 2023 to deliver a community battery. Out of the 400 batteries funded, only 4% went to non-profits, which highlights why there is national interest in what we are achieving here in Narrabri.

Our mission is to demonstrate why regional communities like Narrabri deserve to share in the benefits of batteries integrated into the grid. We hope to establish a model that other communities can replicate across the country.

To provide some context there are 400 batteries being installed nationwide under this program, with Victoria adding another 400.  Our own network provider, Essential Energy have already installed 3 community batteries like this one as well as a number of pole top batteries.

The Narrabri battery will be a 500kWh unit, capable of storing the average daily electricity export from approximately 50 Narrabri homes, making it available for use at night.

A sketch of what the Narrabri Community Battery will look like

The installation will be carried out by qualified local technicians under contract by our partner, Acacia Energy, ensuring adherence to the highest standards. 

I want to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Council and the dedication of our Community Advisory Group, which has been engaged for a couple of years. We have also been in discussion with Fire and Rescue NSW over that time.  Thank you to everyone here tonight who has been a part of this effort.

Some of the supporters who attended the council meeting in support of the community battery

Our Australian battery supplier, EVO Power, has installed over 150 MWh of batteries so far with zero recorded fire incidents.  It uses CATL batteries which are the biggest battery manufacturer in the world, last year producing 670GWh of batteries. This is approximately the equivalent of 1.3M Narrabri batteries produced in one year.

The battery has already received connection approval from Essential Energy. This includes their own comprehensive safety checks and the ability to isolate the battery in case of an emergency.

Sally in the Evo factory in Victoria with a similar battery

Additionally, EVO Power has included several extra safety features in the battery including:

• A Heat Detector and A Smoke Detector that triggers an Aerosol Fire Suppressant System, all of which are powered by backup power in case of blackout

• The Battery Management System which prevents overcharging and over-discharging

• Dedicated Air Conditioner to prevent overheating

These safety measures address potential battery fires caused by thermal or electrical issues. The only remaining risk would be mechanical damage, such as a vehicle impact.

To mitigate this, and flooding risks, the battery will be installed on 4, 5 tonne concrete culverts 900mm high with footings designed to engineering standards. It will have railings around the edge of the culverts that are an additional 1 meter high.  The battery has been sited in the carpark to provide optimal protection from vehicle movements.

Community members with a mock up of the community battery

The Narrabri Community Battery has been in the approvals process for two years. Completing the license agreement following your support tonight, will enable us to finalise the DA Modification and proceed with the installation and commissioning of the battery. 

Energy resilience is essential as extreme weather events become more frequent. This community battery isn’t just infrastructure; it’s a model for cleaner and more reliable energy that can be replicated nationwide. By supporting this project, Council is helping Narrabri lead the way in community-driven energy solutions.

Thank you for your continued support.