23 June, 2015

Adelaide Leads With First Energy Storage Incentive

In an Australian first, Adelaide City businesses, residents, schools and community organisations will now be offered an incentive of up to $5,000 for installing energy storage (batteries) as part of an expanded Sustainable City Incentives Scheme endorsed by City of Adelaide.

Following the State Government announcement earlier this year to work towards a carbon neutral Adelaide, the City Council’s Incentives Scheme aims to bring about community investment in solar PV with energy storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicle charging points.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said responding to climate change is essential for the environmental and economic future of Adelaide.

“We are on the cusp of an energy revolution, now, just as we capture and store the rain water that falls on our roofs, we can capture the sun’s energy and store it until we need it, making continuous availability of carbon-free renewable energy a reality,” Martin said.

“Energy storage coupled with renewables is a game changer for the way the world reduces carbon emissions. With more than 27% of South Australian households already having solar PV on their roof, we are perfectly positioned to embrace the next era. I am proud to lead the first Australian government to offer such comprehensive incentives.

“Between 2007 and 2013, our community has reduced its carbon emissions by 19% and this wonderful achievement has been made possible by early and widespread adoption of emerging technologies in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“Council is determined that we will continue to be a leader in climate action, and our expanded incentives to further encourage the Adelaide’s businesses and community early adopters,” he said.

City of Adelaide has reduced its own carbon emissions by 60%, and since 2009/10 has reduced total energy use by 10.3% and saved more than $400k per annum on electricity costs.

The Sustainable City Incentives Scheme will provide:

• Up to $5,000 for installing solar PV
• Up to $5,000 for installing energy storage
• Up to $500 per electric vehicle charging controller
• Up to $5,000 for apartment building energy efficiency upgrades
• Up to $1,000 for changing out quartz halogen downlights to LED downlights

For more information: cityofadelaide.com.au/your-council/funding/sustainable-city-incentives-scheme/

Rebecca Draysey