Australian Capital Territory governing agreement includes rooftop PV support and more battery storage

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Image: ARENA.

Interest-free loans for rooftop solar and the development of at least 250MW of large-scale battery storage are among the policies put forward in a new power-sharing agreement for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). 

ACT Labor and ACT Greens, which will hold 16 of the Legislative Assembly's 25 seats following last month’s election, today (Monday) published a governing agreement that calls for a “rapid transition” to zero net emissions and the phase-out of fossil fuel gas in the territory by 2045 at the latest.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said the party is especially pleased that climate action features in the power-sharing agreement. “At a time of climate crisis, we know that the decisions we make today will have significant consequences for future generations of Canberrans,” he added.

Initially put forward by Labor earlier this year, the interest-free loan programme will provide up to AUD$15,000 (US$10,560) for households and not-for-profit community organisations to assist with the upfront costs of investing in rooftop solar, battery storage and zero-emission vehicles. ACT chief minister Andrew Barr previously said the party will aim to offer the first loans in Q1 2021.

The pledge of 250MW additional battery storage comes after the ACT government announced two large-scale batteries will be constructed in Canberra following completion of a reverse auction in September that delivered “significantly lower prices” than previous rounds.

With last month's election resulting in a hung parliament, ACT Labor and Greens are joining forces for a fourth consecutive term in partnership. After winning a record six seats, the Greens will have three ministers of out a total of nine in the new cabinet.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a new AU$60 million (US$39.4 million) funding round to bolster R&D efforts to achieve ultra-low-cost solar.
July 8, 2025
Energy consultancy JMK Research has forecast 28.3GW of utility-scale and residential solar PV to be installed in India during fiscal year 2026.
Premium
July 8, 2025
In the latest NEM data spotlight, solar generation in Australia reached its yearly lowest month, while rooftop solar prices spiked to AU$225.57/MWh.
July 4, 2025
Australian retailer AGL Energy has confirmed its acquisition of South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) from Tesla.
July 2, 2025
A new state-owned green bank, the Energy Security Corporation (ESC), has launched in New South Wales, Australia, with an initial funding allocation of AU$1 billion (US$640 million).

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK