City of Clarence is proud to support the launch of Tasmania’s first community battery,
located in Glebe Hill, Howrah. This groundbreaking initiative ushers in a new era of
clean energy storage and community resilience.
This is the first community battery to be commissioned in Tasmania, with a second
battery installed in Burnie.
The Glebe Hill battery has been fully funded through a grant
from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW),
secured by Federal Labor Member for Franklin, Julie Collins MP.
City of Clarence has contributed to the project through the provision of land and
coordinating the production of the artwork which covers the battery.
The battery will store excess solar energy generated by local households and release it
during peak periods. This innovative approach strengthens the power grid, supports
more rooftop solar installations and electric devices (such as electric vehicle
chargers), and reduces reliance on traditional energy sources.
In September 2024, Clarence City Councillors voted to handover a small parcel
council-owned land for the battery site on Hance Road.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the project reflects Clarence’s
commitment to environmental sustainability.
“This is a proud moment for Clarence. By supporting projects like this, we’re helping to
lead Tasmania towards a cleaner, smarter energy future,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“I’d like to thank the Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins MP, for her efforts in
securing the funding of this project and we have been honoured to help deliver such a
first for Tasmania.
“To make this project truly ‘Clarence’, local artist George Kennedy was selected
through a community consultation process to create artwork that complements the
surroundings and celebrates the spirit of our community.
“It’s a beautiful way to turn essential infrastructure into something that feels like it
belongs to the people who live here.”
The project is funded under the Australian Government’s Community Batteries for
Household Solar Program, a $200 million national initiative designed to deliver 400
community-scale batteries across Australia—eight to be delivered in Tasmania.
“This battery aligns with our Strategic Plan 2021–2031, which outlines our commitment
to be an environmentally responsible city. It’s a real, practical demonstration of that
strategy in action—supporting renewable energy, reducing emissions, and building a
more resilient future for Clarence.
“This location in Glebe Hill was identified by TasNetworks through a comprehensive
analysis that looked at infrastructure, demand, land use and solar uptake in the area.
“It’s the ideal place to pilot Tasmania’s first of two community batteries and maximise
the benefits for local households.”
The battery in Glebe Hill is part of a broader TasNetworks trial to integrate more
renewable energy into the state’s electricity network, with Clarence and Burnie the first
two cities to host such infrastructure in Tasmania.
