Battery Storage Initiative

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright) (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Can the minister update the house on the battery storage developments in the state?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:04): Yes, I can. Start your computers. Last week, the government released an expression of interest for a $1.1 million battery storage demonstration in government buildings. Following on from what has already been detailed in the media, I can inform the house that this exciting initiative will demonstrate how integrating battery storage with PV solar can deliver multiple benefits of greenhouse gas reduction.

Within the City of Adelaide, the government owns around 150 buildings, with a number of these having solar PV installed. Of these, the North Terrace arts precinct sites offer a good combination of public exposure for showcasing emerging technologies, and this precinct will support the government's goal to make Adelaide the world's first carbon-neutral city. The government is committed to renewable energy, and our production continues to rise with the total renewable energy levels sitting at 39.3 per cent of the state's total generation.

We are well positioned to be a strong, early market for battery storage systems as we have a high uptake of renewables in the state with over 172,000 rooftop solar systems currently connected to the grid. This expression of interest strengthens our commitment to renewable energy and is good news for battery storage technology. I am advised that interested parties can access expressions of interest documents at www.tenders.sa.gov.au.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the City of Adelaide's—the council, that is—great work in promoting renewable energy, including a $5,000 offer to ratepayers who install battery storage devices. I look forward to this exciting battery storage demonstration and to providing the house with further updates in future.