Different household batteries to be tested in Canberra

A trial that will test and compare eight household batteries, including Tesla's Powerwall, over a period of three years has started in Canberra.

ITP Renewables on Wednesday opened its Lithium-ion Battery Test Centre at the Canberra Institute of Technology. The project is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) with AUD 450,000 (USD 336,000/EUR 306,000).

The trial includes six lithium-ion batteries, one conventional lead acid battery and one advanced lead battery, and takes place in a climate controlled building. The aim is to test the batteries under Australian conditions and provide independent information on their performance. While manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries claim they are more efficient, last longer and take up less space than traditional lead-acid batteries, there is no widely available, independent data to support these claims, ITP Renewables says.

"Over the next three years, the vital information produced by the centre will help Australians decide which battery to install in their homes and will also help power companies design and transition to innovative renewable energy projects and technology solutions," ARENA chief executive Ivor Frischknecht said at the launch of the facility, which is described as a the world's first lithium battery comparison test site. It will provide real-time data at batterytestcentre.com.au.

The Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) environment minister Simon Corbel, who attended the launch, has said that battery storage is a key part of the ACT government's ambition to make Canberra a globally recognised centre for renewable energy innovation and investment.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.747/EUR 0.679)

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