Lochiel battery to support electric vehicle fast charging
SA Power Networks will install a 100kW community battery at Lochiel, in the state's mid north, to enable the fast charging of electric vehicles (EVs).
The battery is part of a statewide project, jointly funded by SA Power Networks and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which will see eight batteries - providing a range of community benefits - installed across regional South Australia in the coming months.
SA Power Networks, in partnership with Wakefield Regional Council and the Lochiel Progress Association (LPA), announced the Lochiel initiative today.
Chris Bennett, SA Power Networks Operations Manager, said the new battery would support the local community, businesses and people who visit or pass through Lochiel.
“We are very excited to confirm the final location to receive a battery under this project, all eight batteries are expected to be operational in the coming months,” he said.
“We will be working closely with the Wakefield Regional Council and the Lochiel Progress Association to bring this project to fruition.”
Two high voltage batteries will be installed in Robe and Lameroo, four EV fast-charging batteries at Lochiel, Parndana, Karoonda and Robe and two community resilience batteries at Hawker and Kimba.
Mayor of Wakefield Regional Council, Rodney Reid, said: “This is a key project to ensure our community continues to thrive and stay connected. Not only do we have residents and businesses which will benefit from this infrastructure, but we are an important gateway to SA’s regions, and we want to provide an efficient and accessible service to our visitors.”
LPA President Janne Hoepner, said: “This is an exciting project for the Lochiel and Mid North community, and the LPA is delighted to have this project delivered on our land.’’
Leon Chanter, ARENA Director of Business Development and Transactions, said: “ARENA is pleased to support the roll out of these community batteries with SA Power Networks through our transformative program which will have a significant impact upon Australia’s energy and grid security while delivering cleaner and more cost-effective energy for our communities.
"The batteries being rolled out by SA Power Networks across regional areas in South Australia will provide a number of community benefits and access to sustainable energy solutions like EV charging."
For further information on the project, including a Fact Sheet and some Frequently Asked Questions visit Community Batteries Project Talking Power