Famous for its sun, surf, and sustainability, Bondi Beach is now embracing a new wave of renewable energy innovation. With Pixii’s community battery now installed, excess solar power is no longer wasted but stored to stabilize the grid, reduce energy costs, and charge electric vehicles (EVs). This project strengthens Bondi’s role as a leader in Australia’s clean energy revolution.

The challenge 

Known for its endless sunshine, Bondi Beach is a prime location for rooftop solar panels. Many homes generate abundant solar energy, often producing more than they can use during the day. Without a way to store excess solar energy, much of it went to waste, keeping the community reliant on conventional power during peak times. Furthermore, as electric vehicle ownership increased, Bondi faced a growing need for a renewable-powered EV charging infrastructure.

Without a solution to store and redistribute solar energy, Bondi risked grid instability and an underdeveloped green transportation network.

The solution

Pixii, in collaboration with Ausgrid and PlusES, installed a 160kW / 496kWh kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Bondi Beach. The system captures surplus solar energy generated by local households and stores it for later use. Additionally, the battery system includes a council-operated EV charging station, seamlessly powered by the stored solar energy.

“Batteries like this one act as a sponge during the day, absorbing solar generation and then feeding that back to the network during
peak times, reducing pressure on energy bills.

Marc England, CEO, Ausgrid CEO

The Benefits 

Pixii’s community battery is maximizing Bondi Beach’s solar potential by preventing waste and reducing grid pressure. Instead of sending excess energy back into the grid or letting it go unused, the BESS stores the power and releases it during peak demand times. This ensures that more of Bondi’s solar-generated electricity is utilized locally, reducing energy costs for residents, and helping to stabilize the grid.

The battery also plays a crucial role in supporting Bondi’s green transportation goals. By integrating a solar-powered EV charging station, residents and visitors can charge their vehicles with renewable energy, cutting down on carbon emissions and supporting the community’s sustainability efforts.

Pixii’s PowerShaper technology is modular, allowing it to grow to the community’s needs. As more homes in Bondi adopt solar power and EV ownership rises, the system can be easily scaled to accommodate increasing energy demands, future-proofing Bondi’s renewable infrastructure for years to come.

“By capturing surplus solar energy and enabling renewable-powered EV charging, our team partnered with Ausgrid to deliver Pixii’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Bondi Beach, helping to advance the area’s sustainability goals.”

Nirav Haria, Project Manager Pixii (Australia) Pty Ltd

The results  

Since the installation, Pixii’s community battery has proven successful in reducing grid strain, lowering energy costs for residents, and delivering a sustainable, solar-powered EV charging solution. Bondi Beach now serves as a leading example of how solar energy and battery storage can power a community, inspiring similar projects across Australia. As part of a national initiative to install 400 community batteries, Bondi’s experience paves the way for other communities to harness the power of renewable energy more effectively.

Background

Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks, is driving the shift towards renewable energy through strategic partnerships and innovation. Ausgrid has partnered with energy retailers to offer Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) for customers located in proximity to a community battery. This effort maximises benefits for customers and supports the growing adoption of renewable energy across Australia.

Project contacts
Pixii Oslo
E-mail: Show Email
Visiting address: Sommerrogata 13-15, 0255 Oslo

Project manager Pixii
Nirav Haria
Project Manager – Pixii (Australia) Pty Ltd
E-mail: Show Email

Download the case study

Making waves – Bondi Beach powers ahead with Pixii’s community battery