The ACT's (The Government of the Australian Capital Territory) transition to clean energy has reached a new milestone, with the delivery of a transformer to the Big Canberra Battery construction site in Williamsdale this week.

The transformer will enable the battery to convert stored electricity into the correct voltage for safe and reliable distribution into Canberra's power grid, especially during periods of high demand and low solar generation.

The Big Canberra Battery, developed in partnership with Eku Energy, will deliver at least 250 megawatts (MW) of power--enough to supply one-third of Canberra's energy needs for two hours during peak usage. It is part of a broader energy storage initiative that includes large-scale and behind-the-meter battery installations across multiple ACT Government sites.

According to Chief Minister Andrew Barr, the project will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contribute to the ACT's goal of net-zero emissions by 2045, and create around 150 local jobs during peak construction.

Construction is currently underway on concrete foundations for the main switching building and battery arrays. The battery system is expected to be operational by 2026.

The ACT Government will also receive 50% of the net revenue generated from the battery's participation in the National Electricity Market, creating both environmental and financial returns for the territory.