Community Batteries Funding Round 2: completed 2025 application period

Historical funding notice, checked 21 October 2026: ARENA's Community Batteries Funding Round 2 is no longer accepting applications. Expressions of Interest closed in April 2025, and invited full applications were due on 1 September 2025. Read ARENA's Round 2 page for its published status and reference documents. This page does not invite a new EOI or full application.

What the round covered

ARENA announced $46.3 million for Round 2 in February 2025 as part of the Community Batteries Funding Initiative. The initiative aimed to support battery deployments that can serve local households, use distributed solar more effectively, lower emissions and ease pressure on the grid. The historical round was competitive, with an Expression of Interest stage followed by full applications for invited proponents. ARENA states that the EOI is closed and lists the full-application deadline as 11:59 pm AEST on 1 September 2025.

Project evidence that still matters

A community battery proposal should identify the service area, connection design, ownership and operating model, expected household benefits, charging and dispatch strategy, safety obligations and how the project will be measured. Financial modelling should separate capital, operating, network and maintenance costs from assumed revenue or avoided cost. Expected bill or emissions benefits are forecasts until measured against an appropriate baseline.

ARENA's historic funding documents remain useful examples of a project plan, budget, financial model, risk plan and community consultation plan. They do not establish eligibility for any later funding. Review current ARENA guidance before relying on a future program, and check certificate or other support separately against its own scheme rules.

Northmore Gordon can assist with energy assessment, measurement and verification planning, carbon advisory and an investment case for a current project. Contact the team about a project, while using ARENA as the source for funding availability.

What is Community Batteries Funding Round 2 and why was it established?

ARENA announced $46.3 million for Community Batteries Funding Round 2 in February 2025 as part of its Community Batteries Funding Initiative. The round aimed to deploy community batteries with local solar and grid benefits. It is a historical funding round: ARENA says the EOI stage is closed and invited full applications were due 1 September 2025.

What are the key deadlines and process for submitting an application to Community Batteries Funding Round 2?

Expressions of Interest opened in March 2025 and closed in April 2025. ARENA's current Round 2 page marks the EOI closed and says invited full applications were due by 11:59 pm AEST on 1 September 2025. The application period is over; the old portal and templates are reference material, not a current invitation to apply.

What documentation and financial planning are required for a Community Batteries Funding Round 2 application?

ARENA's archived Round 2 materials describe a project plan, budget, financial model, risk and community consultation plans, and funding-source information for invited full applications. Those documents are useful historical examples. No new Round 2 submission is available; a future opportunity would have its own documents and rules.

How does measurement and monitoring support a Community Batteries Funding Round 2 application?

Measurement should distinguish forecasts from observed results. For a community battery, define baseline local demand and solar export, metering, dispatch records, household benefit allocation and any grid outcomes. These steps help assess a present project whether or not a grant is available.

What operating and technical considerations should be addressed in a Community Batteries Funding application?

A project assessment should cover connection and safety requirements, service area, battery size, dispatch strategy, customer participation, ownership, controls, expected benefits and long-term operation. ARENA's Round 2 application period has passed; technical merit must be assessed independently of the former grant.

Can community battery projects access environmental certificates or other funding alongside ARENA support?

Do not assume a community battery qualifies for a certificate or for simultaneous funding. Any certificate pathway depends on current jurisdiction-specific activity rules, siting, ownership, measurement and anti-double-counting conditions. Test each potential support stream separately using the current administrator guidance; closed ARENA Round 2 funding is not an available input to a new project budget.

What investment case elements strengthen a Community Batteries Funding Round 2 application?

A robust investment case can quantify capital and operating costs, grid connection, battery replacement, revenue assumptions, local customer benefits and uncertainty. Present outcomes with and without conditional support, and measure any later performance against the claimed baseline. ARENA Round 2 is closed, so this is a project decision rather than a live Round 2 application.

How should organisations structure community battery projects across multiple sites or regions?

For multiple sites, use a common assessment method but test each connection, load profile, solar resource, customer group and operating model separately. Prioritise sites with sound data and feasible connections. If another funding opportunity opens, check its current criteria before assembling an application; the 2025 Round 2 timetable cannot be reused.

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