The Queensland government has unveiled plans to establish a Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ) in Townsville, backed by a $40 million investment.
This initiative aims to revolutionise the way renewable energy is generated, stored, and shared within the community.
The Townsville LREZ will feature network-connected batteries that enable the storage and distribution of excess energy generated by rooftop solar systems.
This innovative approach allows households with solar panels to feed surplus energy into community batteries during low-demand periods, typically in the middle of the day.
The stored energy can then be accessed by all residents connected to the LREZ network during peak evening hours, ensuring a consistent supply of clean, affordable energy.
One of the key benefits of this system is its inclusivity.
Residents who are unable to install rooftop solar panels, such as renters or those living in social housing, will now have access to clean, community-generated energy.
This approach democratises renewable energy consumption and helps reduce overall community emissions.
Clare Silcock, Energy Strategist at Queensland Conservation Council, welcomed the announcement, stating: “Queensland communities have a huge opportunity to reduce emissions, help meet our renewable energy targets and save money, and this investment will help show how this can happen.”
Silcock emphasised the importance of making small-scale renewable energy benefits available to everyone, including low-income households.
Devett Kennedy, Lead Organiser of Queensland Community Alliance, praised the initiative, saying: “This Local Renewable Energy Zone announcement will help deliver the benefits of bill-busting solar in Townsville for renters and others who’ve been denied access until now.”
The Townsville LREZ pilot project is expected to deploy up to 8.4MW/18.8MWh of energy storage capacity.
As the project unfolds, it is anticipated to serve as a model for future LREZs across Queensland, potentially transforming the state’s energy landscape and providing more Queenslanders with access to affordable, clean energy.
