A Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ) pilot project will be established in Caloundra to improve access to renewable energy for local residents and businesses. This project will focus on generating, storing, and sharing renewable energy within the existing local infrastructure, reducing energy bills and emissions in the process.
The LREZ will allow households with rooftop solar systems to send excess energy generated during the day into local batteries. This stored energy will then be available to be used at night when energy demand is highest, and renewable energy generation is low. The initiative ensures that everyone, including renters, unit dwellers, and those unable to invest in solar, can benefit from renewable energy.
The Caloundra LREZ pilot will deploy up to 8.4 MW of battery storage, supporting an additional 2.8 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 0.9 MW of demand management systems. The project is set to begin in January 2025, with benefits extending to both residential and commercial customers in the area.
In addition to the battery storage, the project will also involve optimizing the use of solar PV, batteries, and home energy management systems, with an investment of $40 million in total funding. As part of the initiative, Energy Queensland has received approval to install 18 new local network-connected batteries across the region, which will play a significant role in providing affordable and reliable clean energy.
This pilot is part of a broader effort to support Queensland's renewable energy transition and enhance the state’s energy grid with cleaner, locally sourced energy. The project also contributes to the development of local manufacturing and supplier industries, further boosting regional economies.