Page 4390 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017
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through deliberate and smart policies by the ACT government and the great work of Invest Canberra and VisitCanberra in promoting Canberra to the world.
Our leading battery storage programs are also providing key competitive advantages for local industries and local businesses like Reposit Power, a global leader in smart battery technology. The next generation energy storage program, which began in April 2016, aims to support the installation of up to 5,000 energy storage systems in ACT homes. This will deliver the largest virtual power station, or VPP, in the world, which will provide critical power system security services such as peak demand shaving, shifting and shedding, to use those industry terms. Our Canberra VPP presents an incredible opportunity for high-value research and development. That is why the government has introduced strict requirements for data capture and smart battery capability.
The government is in the final stages of procuring a cloud-based data platform that will host real-time data feeds from each of the battery systems. This will provide a significant dataset on the performance of distributed battery systems. The government will make this data available to local researchers and businesses to drive the next wave of innovation. In conclusion, our booming renewable energy economy is a great example of how smart and progressive policies can deliver economic benefits to Canberra and bring the best and brightest talents to our city. I commend Mr Steel for bringing this motion forward and I commend it to the Assembly.
Visitor
MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call Mr Steel to close the debate, I want to draw to members’ attention to the fact that we have a former member, Mr Steve Pratt, in the gallery. Welcome to the Assembly.
Renewable energy
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee) (6.21), in reply: Looking around the chamber at this moment late on a sitting day I can tell the mood is electric for more than one reason. The topic of this motion is electricity and renewable electricity, particularly batteries and the contribution they can make to the stability of our electricity market. I thank members who have made their contributions this evening; it is excellent to see such strong support in the chamber from all sides in taking action on climate change. Our zero net emissions target is in line with the Paris climate accord, and our approach is very much in line with the Finkel review into what actions state and territory governments can take around energy and emissions.
I refer the opposition spokesperson, Ms Lee, to paragraph (3) of the motion, which actually talks about stability expressly, and the references in part (c) to the Finkel review which directly relates to the role of battery use and market stability and reliability. I did not hear Ms Lee once refer to any substantive contribution about the role of batteries. I hope she will take some time to recharge by the time of the next sitting week, perhaps by reviewing the Finkel report, which is the major evidence base around the energy market and the contribution of batteries as well.
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