Endeavour Energy launches first community batteries for Blue Mountains
Endeavour Energy has launched five community batteries in Blaxland, marking a significant step towards greener and more sustainable energy solutions for the community. The community batteries – the first for the Blue Mountains - will serve around 300 residents, providing them with an affordable source of renewable energy.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, emphasised the role of community batteries in creating a future-ready grid and more cost-effective energy.
“Households in my electorate have invested heavily in rooftop solar and I’m proud the Albanese Labor government is investing in community batteries to help maximise the return on their investments.
“It is great that we’re bringing the next step of the clean green energy revolution to the lower Blue Mountains.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle MP, welcomed the five community batteries because they expand access to renewable energy for those who can least afford it – renters, pensioners, single parents and those struggling with the cost of living.
“You don’t need to have rooftop solar to participate in this program, you just need to live in Blaxland. It’s great for the environment, great for household savings and a positive step in addressing climate change,” she said.
The event also featured the unveiling of indigenous artwork on the first ground-mount community battery for the Blue Mountains. Indigenous artist, Kelsie King, who is also a Gundungurra woman and long-time Blue Mountains resident, was commissioned by Endeavour Energy to create the community battery artwork. Inspired by her father, David a Gundungurra Elder, Ms King designed the artwork featuring black cockatoos soaring through a sky-blue background.
“I wanted to create something that reflected what the land might have looked like for our ancestors – something deeply connected to Country, she said.
Today's unveiling is part of one of the most significant community battery programs in New South Wales, developed in partnership with the Federal Government. The initiative involves the rollout of 76 batteries across 33 suburbs in Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra.
Endeavour Energy’s Chief Customer & Strategy Officer, Leanne Pickering, highlighted the importance of community batteries in supporting the growth of household rooftop solar.
“Capturing and storing clean energy for customers to use when needed is essential for an effective and fair energy transition,” she said.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill, said he was proud to see the installation of Blaxland’s own community battery.
“It’s a vital step in building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for our residents and businesses,” Cr Greenhill said.
“Our residents trust us to take meaningful climate action, and supporting infrastructure like this battery is a key part of delivering on our sustainability commitments.
“I want to thank Endeavour Energy, Energy Australia, and all the dedicated Council staff involved. This battery isn’t just about energy – it’s about our community’s future and the smart choices we’re making to support it,” said Cr Greenhill.
Residents in Blaxland are invited to register their interest in the program at https://www.endeavourenergy.com.au/communitybatteries or by calling 131003 and asking to register.
For media enquiries, please contact: 0409 664 608 E: CorporateComms@endeavourenergy.com.au
About Kelsie King
Kelsie is an Indigenous artist in Gundungurra Country. Kelsie's family connections are through Gedumba and Burragorang clans as well as Garguree the Gully where her grandmother, Aunty Mary King, was born. In 2009, Aunty Elly Chatfield began teaching Kelsie how to paint through the medium of acrylic paints. Currently, Kelsie still utilises acrylics to paint and has expanded her skills into weaving with local plants and raffia. Drawing inspiration from Culture and nature, Kelsie's art incorporates a modern flare to traditional Indigenous art.
About the Artwork
The artwork is entitled Gunnamamaldan' which means 'painted all over' in Gundungurra language. Of the artwork Kelsie says:
"This artwork, showing a water hole, two meeting places and three highpoints with pathways leading to water, came from a conversation with my dad, Uncle David about what the Blaxland area was for our people. The dotwork represents the Bottlebrush pollen, while the two Wumbarrungs (Black Cockatoos) are my dad’s moiety (totem)."
Published on Jun 26th 2025