Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

The government supports the motion, as it aligns with the government's program of policy action in this area. Our Reliable Renewables plan includes a focus on storage, especially batteries, and is the only plan backed by experts to deliver affordable energy where and when we need it.

Household batteries have increased from around one in 60 households to around one in 40, and there is a record 21 per cent growth from 2023 on the previous year. The Albanese government is on track to roll out more than 420 large-scale batteries to the $200 million Community Batteries for Household Solar Program, exceeding the election commitment to deliver 400 batteries. The government's also supporting batteries and virtual power plants through the first Capacity Investment Scheme. The first Capacity Investment Scheme auction in New South Wales is underwriting three batteries and three virtual power plants. The government's also working with the states and territories to accelerate the delivery of dispatchable renewable energy storage and nationally significant transmission projects. These actions are already supporting Australia's rollout of renewable energy and helping us reach our broader Future Made in Australia and net zero objectives.

The government commends Senator Van for recognising the critical role that these technologies will play this decade and for Australia's future.

Question agreed to.