Labor Pledges $100 Million Towards 3 Large Batteries

Solar panels are seen at solar farm on the northern outskirts of Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2022. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The Albanese government has announced a $100 million investment to strengthen its renewables plan, funding three regional big batteries and a solar farm expected to power 160,000 Australian homes.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed this amount to Neoen, a renewable energy developer, to support 1.3 GW of renewable energy and battery storage across Australia.

Key projects include Collie Battery Stage 2 in Western Australia to support the state’s southwest grid, Western Downs Battery Stage 1 in Queensland to integrate renewable energy into the National Electricity Market (NEM), and the Culcairn Solar Farm in southwest New South Wales.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, stating, “This partnership with Neoen will benefit regional communities with jobs and local economic activity, while our electricity system stores abundant solar and wind through the day, ready to be discharged at night.”

New Projects to Power Regional Australia

According to the government, Collie Battery Stage 2 will create 150 construction jobs and, alongside Stage 1, can charge and discharge 20 percent of the average demand in WA’s southwest grid, including Perth.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said this would bolster energy stability in the state.

Western Downs Battery Stage 1 near Chinchilla in Queensland will utilise advanced technology to provide reliable energy during peak demand.

Meanwhile, the Culcairn Solar Farm, set to be operational by 2026, is creating over 400 construction jobs and will contribute $300,000 annually in community benefit-sharing initiatives.

“This solar farm will bring clean energy to more than twice the number of homes in the Riverina region, highlighting our commitment to regional economic development and sustainable energy solutions,” Bowen said.

Government Criticises Coalition’s Energy Plan

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton advocated for nuclear energy, arguing it offers reliable, 24/7 baseload power crucial for industries.

“The time for nuclear is now,” Dutton said, accusing Labor of neglecting nuclear’s potential role in achieving energy security and affordability.

Dutton cited modelling showing electricity prices would be 44 percent cheaper under the Coalition’s nuclear and renewables mix compared to Labor’s renewables-only approach.

“This is about keeping the lights on, getting prices down, and decarbonising responsibly,” he said, pointing to international trends where nuclear capacity is expected to continue growing.

Bowen criticised the Opposition’s energy strategy, calling it a step backward.

“This is in stark contrast to Peter Dutton’s Coalition, which plans to pause renewable energy development, rely on old coal plants, and wait 20 years for taxpayers to fund the world’s most expensive form of energy—nuclear,” he said.

Bowen praised the government’s progress, noting, “In just two years, the Albanese government has overseen a 25 percent increase in renewable energy generation. We are delivering grid-scale batteries to firm-up the cheaper, cleaner energy Australians expect.”