Battery Storage Initiative

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, either in his own capacity or if he feels the need to refer to the energy minister, a question on the subject of battery storage in government buildings.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: Last week the government announced that it was commencing a tender process worth $1.1 million for the installation of battery storage in several key government buildings that currently have solar panels installed. These buildings include Parliament House, the Art Gallery, the SA Museum, the State Library, the Adelaide Railway Station and a number of schools. This is quite an exciting development, but minister Koutsantonis in announcing this tender was reported in the media, and I quote from the Renew Economy newsletter:

Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis says the battery storage initiative is linked with plans to make Adelaide the world's 'first' carbon-neutral city, in an initiative that will include a 'Green Zone' where electric and hybrid vehicles, along with driverless cars, will be the preferred form of transport and petrol cars restricted.

I have been through the tender documents and I'm struggling to find any connection between the battery storage initiative and these transport plans of the government. So my question of the minister is: what is the link between this project and transport initiatives? In particular, I ask whether the government will consider using the proposed new battery storage in Parliament House for the charging of electric vehicles. I ask further: when will the government be procuring electric vehicles for the state fleet?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his important question and his continued interest in these matters as we transition to a much lower carbon future. I think the link is that all of these initiatives go towards supporting the government's goal to make Adelaide the world's first carbon-neutral city. He is right in much of what he said.

On 25 June, the government released a $1.1 million expression of interest for the installation of battery storage demonstration systems in government buildings in the Adelaide City Council area. The expression of interest lists a number of high profile government buildings with existing solar photovoltaic systems installed for respondents to consider, such as the museum, the State Library and the Art Gallery. Respondents can also consider other government owned sites within the Adelaide City Council area.

As the honourable member points out, this initiative will support the government's goal to make Adelaide the world's first carbon-neutral city. Through this project, the government hopes to demonstrate how integrating battery storage with solar PV can deliver the multiple benefits of greenhouse gas reduction, energy load management and energy cost reductions. Indeed, the battery storage solutions are becoming increasingly important as the technology rapidly develops in this area.

I know in South Australia we have some of the world's leading innovation and research into battery storage. South Australia is very well positioned to be a strong early market leader for battery storage systems, as we have a very high uptake of renewables in the state, including an estimated, or a bit over, 170,000 rooftop systems currently connected to the grid. In terms of powerful electric vehicles and possible uses as state fleet cars, I am certain that, as the technology develops, the government will look to see what role it can play in the mix of government procurement.