The solar energy transition continues to gather pace in the Illawarra, with Endeavour Energy recently cutting the ribbon on new community batteries in Warrawong and Dapto.

Funded in partnership with the Federal Government, the community batteries are part of a bigger infrastructure project stretching from the South Coast to the Blue Mountains. A total of 76 community batteries to serve up to 6000 households will be set up, including 22 in the Illawarra.

Endeavour said participating households may save up to $400 a year on electricity bills.

“Customers want a reliable and resilient electricity supply," said Endeavour Energy's chief executive, Guy Chalkley. "Like all Australians, they also want to find ways to get the best value from solar energy and help set up the electricity grid for future generations.”

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown welcomed the program. 

“The community battery program is a fantastic initiative and aligns closely with Council’s Climate Change Mitigation Plan,” she said. "Council is pleased to be able to contribute to this important initiative by granting easement for access and maintenance of the batteries by Endeavour Energy.”

Residents of Warrawong and Dapto can register their interest at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/communitybatteries.

Wind project stalls

Meanwhile, the Illawarra offshore wind project has been in limbo since late February, when Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced that the government had had one company apply for a feasibility licence and this was on pause at the applicant’s request until after the 2025 Federal Election.

US-owned renewables company BlueFloat Energy lodged an application in August 2024 but uncertainty now surrounds the project as Opposition leader Peter Dutton has vowed to scrap the wind zone if elected.

Ahead of the election, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, opinions are split along party lines. Here's how Cunningham candidates responded to the pausing of the Illawarra wind project:

• Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes MP, from a joint February 28 statement with Labor’s Illawarra leaders: “We are disappointed that policy uncertainty created by Peter Dutton has affected the progress of this important project and the job and economic opportunities for the Illawarra. Peter Dutton has made offshore wind a cornerstone of his election campaign – an industry his former Liberal National government introduced and strongly backed. We would welcome the Liberal Party’s explanation for this colossal backflip.”
• Liberal candidate Amanda Ivaneza, a former Responsible Future volunteer: "Labor has no one but itself to blame for the botched rollout of offshore wind … Our community had been forced to fight hard to protect our natural heritage, our local businesses and the place we call home, because the Albanese Labor Government and its MPs have been refusing to listen. Labor had not shown respect for our community’s right to have a say in what happens here, they are more interested in partisan politics than addressing genuine concerns of locals. The Liberal Party’s policy is clear – if elected, a Liberal Government will rescind the offshore wind zone designation.”
• Greens candidate Jess Whittaker, a paramedic and Wollongong councillor, thinks it's a sign of "the investment uncertainty that the Liberal Party is creating on renewable energy". She said: "I'm disappointed with the delay, but I recognise that more consultation is needed as more research is revealed on the local site conditions and constraints. In the meantime, I'd like to see Port Kembla continue to be developed for floating offshore wind turbine construction. As wind power companies say "no port, no project", Port Kembla could service wind turbine construction up and down the East Australian coast, bringing renewable industry jobs and investment to our region."
• The Animal Justice Party's candidate, software engineer Tim Lavers, said: "The delay in this project shows that the Labor party is incapable of decisive action, even as our climate deteriorates, and that the Liberals are beholden to the fossil fuel sector and will do everything they can to delay the transition to a renewable power economy."

In the Whitlam, the electorate south of Cunningham covering Shellharbour, Wingecarribee and part of Wollongong, candidates had these responses:

• Carol Berry, Labor's candidate to replace outgoing MP Stephen Jones, from a joint statement with Labor’s Illawarra leaders: "The Coalition has deterred investment from the private sector in renewable projects like offshore wind, stifling real action on climate change and limiting job opportunities for our regions … When it comes to jobs and economic opportunities for the region, all options must be on the table. Any proposed project needs to stack up environmentally and economically and must include good local content provisions and demonstrated community benefit."
• Katrina Hodgkinson, the Nationals candidate: "I’m very pleased that the Labor/Greens offshore wind turbine project for the Illawarra is off the agenda for the time being. If elected as the Member for Whitlam, I will make sure it’s off the agenda forever."

Other candidates had not responded at publication time.

Read more 

• Q&As with Cunningham & Whitlam candidates
• What will be the Illawarra’s Energy Future? This election could decide – by the University of Wollongong's Ty Christopher and Michelle Voyer