Community battery in Richmond

Published on 24 August 2026

West Torrens is getting a new community battery.

Groundworks started this week on Kingston Avenue, Richmond, where a new 700kW/1828kWh battery will be installed, providing much needed energy back to the power grid when it's most needed.

The emPowering SA project, jointly funded by the South Australian Government, energy company AGL and the Australian Government's Community Batteries for Household Solar program, is designed to help low-income households with the cost living by providing eligible South Australians access to significantly discounted electricity.

The battery in West Torrens is one of 18 to be rolled out across the state, with others already located in Magill, Edwardstown, Port Pirie, and Elizabeth Park. The council is working with the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) to deliver the new battery.

The community battery works by storing excess energy from the grid when renewable energy is abundant, and then making that energy available at night, during periods of high demand, or when the grid needs support. This helps ease pressure on the electricity network and provides cost of living relief to those who need it most.

While priority is being given to SA Housing Trust tenants in council areas where emPowering SA community batteries are located, new batteries will join the fleet regularly, so eligible tenants are being encouraged to register their interest now to save money thanks to the batteries at www.empowering.sa.gov.au/join.

"Being part of this larger project and having a community battery in West Torrens gives options to many more people to share the benefits of renewable energy, even if they cannot afford to install a solar system themselves," Mayor Michael Coxon said.

"It also helps to stabilise the electricity network and make better use of excess solar power that has been generated.

"We're privileged to be part of the emPowering SA project, which will support around 10,000 people who need it most when the full state rollout it is complete."

The new community battery in Richmond will measure approximately 12 metres x 7 metres and is expected to be completed in about 4 - 5 weeks.

Before finalising the project, council consulted with the local community, which showed considerable support for the installation of the battery.

"Priority for cheaper power will be given to nominated households in West Torrens and then provided to others over time," Mayor Coxon added.

"This is welcome news for people who rent, are on low or fixed incomes and have little opportunity to invest in renewable energy."

More information about the emPowering SA project can be found at empowering.sa.gov.au